A$AP Rocky and Rihanna are embracing a new chapter focused on family after a stressful few months.
Just days after the rapper, 36, was acquitted in his highly publicized felony assault trial, sources tell PEOPLE that the couple is turning their attention to their two sons, RZA, 2½, and Riot, 18 months.
“They’ve been living in a stressful bubble for the past month. It’s all been about the trial,” says the insider. “Now, they’re planning a family getaway to spend some quality time together and reset their minds.”
Rihanna, 37, was by Rocky’s side throughout the trial and even brought their little ones to the courtroom in Los Angeles for moral support on February 13. When the not guilty verdict was read on February 18, the rapper—who was facing up to 24 years in prison—couldn’t hold back his emotions. He jumped over the stand to embrace Rihanna, as well as his mother and sister.
“Thank y’all for saving my life. Thank y’all for making the right decision,” he said tearfully to the jury.
The “Work” singer took to Instagram afterward, sharing a message of gratitude: “The glory belongs to God and God alone! Thankful, humbled by His mercy!”
Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, had previously said in January that the rapper was eager for the trial to be over so he could finally enjoy time with his family.
The rapper was acquitted of two felony assault charges involving a semiautomatic firearm. He had been accused of firing a handgun at his former friend and A$AP Mob member A$AP Relli during a confrontation in November 2021. Relli, who wasn’t seriously injured, claimed one of the bullets grazed his knuckle.
Tacopina argued that Rocky had been carrying a prop gun during the incident, a defense that the prosecution dismissed as “illogical” and “absurd.” The defense also questioned Relli’s credibility, telling the jury he had lied “to your faces.”
Rather than accepting a plea deal that would have resulted in six months in jail, a seven-year suspended sentence, and three years on probation, Rocky chose to go to trial, risking the full weight of a 24-year prison sentence.
In a rare public moment during the trial, District Attorney John Lewin asked the jury to remain impartial despite Rihanna’s presence, emphasizing, “No matter how famous his partner is, no matter how cute his kids are, no matter how much they giggle during closing arguments… he needs to be treated like any other person.”
Read more:
