The rap artist-turned-fashion mogul, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, faced two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm in two confrontations on the night of Nov. The two men's friendship soured over the years as Rocky's music career blossomed, a turn of events that culminated in the Hollywood encounter and August charges against Rocky. A key question at the center of the trial was whether the weapon used was a real gun or, as the defense claims, a prop gun that only fired blanks.
Jurors could acquit Rocky if they believed the defense or if they believe he was acting in self defense. The jury of seven women and five men reached a unanimous decision after deliberating for about three hours after a three-week trial. He faced up to 24 years in prison if he was convicted.
Rocky had been free on bail since his arrest. After attorneys finished closing arguments late last week, the case went to the jury for deliberations.
Pop star Rihanna, the mother of the couple's two children, was seen dressed in black with her two children entering court Thursday morning for closing arguments.
Rihanna has appeared in the courtroom five times since the trial began Jan. Immediately after the verdict was read in court, a relieved Rocky turned to the back of the courtroom and fell into the arms of Rihanna in an embrace.
