After being cleared of felony assault charges earlier this year, A$AP Rocky is finally breaking his silence about the emotional toll the high-profile case took on him. In a raw and revealing cover story with Variety, the rapper—born Rakim Mayers—described the years-long ordeal as “traumatic,” shedding light on how the case impacted his mental health, trust in others, music, and overall outlook on life.
The incident dates back to 2019, when Rocky was arrested in Sweden after a street altercation. Although he spent time in jail and faced up to 24 years in prison, the artist maintained his innocence and ultimately rejected a plea deal that would have landed him behind bars for 180 days. He was eventually found not guilty in February 2025, but the emotional damage lingered.
“I’m writing about these past four or five years that I had this over me, and it’s been kind of handicapping me,” Rocky confessed.
A$AP Rocky Gets Candid About Trust and Betrayal
In the candid interview, Rocky opened up about how the legal battle exposed the dark side of fame and strained his ability to trust people around him.
“I think I had trust issues for a while now. I can’t necessarily blame it on my last situation,” he said. “But what I did learn is you’ve gotta accept that everybody’s not good people; you’re not gonna run into a solid person every time. Not everybody’s gonna handle situations like you.”
The Grammy-nominated artist revealed that these difficult emotions will be directly addressed in his upcoming and much-anticipated album, Don’t Be Dumb. The project marks Rocky’s first full-length release in years and is expected to be one of his most personal and introspective works to date.
“Once you accept that you’re not responsible for nobody’s actions but yours… That’s where I’m at,” he added. “Yo, focus on your own actions. Because I ain’t perfect. I’m human too, and we all f**k up.”
Why A$AP Rocky Rejected a Plea Deal That Could’ve Landed Him in Prison
Perhaps the most revealing part of the interview was Rocky’s explanation for rejecting a plea deal that would have given him 180 days in prison. It was a gamble—he was facing the possibility of a 24-year sentence if convicted—but he stood his ground.
“You got to stop yourself from thinking like that. Because that could get the best of you, and you can manifest that energy by mistake. I tried to stay positive at all times,” Rocky explained.
His choice to fight the charges paid off, and his not-guilty verdict has allowed him to move forward both personally and professionally.
From Legal Battles to Life with Rihanna and Their Growing Family
With the legal drama behind him, A$AP Rocky is now focusing on what truly matters: family, music, fashion, and creativity. He and global superstar Rihanna—whom he’s been romantically involved with since 2020—are currently expecting their third child. The couple already shares two children and remains one of the most talked-about celebrity pairings in pop culture.
“I got Cannes to go to. I got an album to make. I got fashion shows to do. I got music to make. I got videos. I got sneakers to drop. I got glasses to be the new creative director of. I got children. I got all type of sh*t,” Rocky said. “Like, nah, why would I dwell on that dark-a** shit? I talk about it from time to time, but for the most part, I don’t really think about that shit.”
Rocky’s energetic embrace of life’s blessings highlights a dramatic shift in perspective. Rather than dwelling on past negativity, he’s focusing on building a creative empire with his partner and co-parent, Rihanna.
A$AP Rocky’s Next Chapter: Music, Movies, and More
Aside from music, A$AP Rocky is also venturing into film. He’s set to star alongside Academy Award winner Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest. The film, still in development, has already generated massive buzz due to its high-profile cast and visionary director.
This marks a significant turning point in Rocky’s career, as he continues to blend his love for fashion, music, and film into a cohesive artistic identity. His work as a creative director for brands—especially in eyewear and footwear—has earned him respect beyond the music industry, establishing him as a trendsetter in the world of celebrity fashion and streetwear.
Rihanna and Rocky: A Pop Culture Power Couple
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna have become the definition of a modern power couple. Whether they’re attending the Met Gala, launching beauty lines, or raising a growing family together, their every move makes headlines. Their relationship, which began as a friendship and evolved into romance during the COVID-19 pandemic, has captivated fans across the globe.
Their chemistry is evident, and fans are eagerly awaiting more public appearances, collaborations, and even possible musical features on each other’s projects. Rihanna has often praised Rocky for being a hands-on father and a supportive partner, while Rocky continues to celebrate Rihanna’s influence on his personal style and creativity.
In a previous interview, he even joked about “stealing” pieces from her wardrobe—another glimpse into the dynamic and playful nature of their relationship.
A Message to His Fans: “Stay Positive and Protect Your Energy”
Throughout the interview, Rocky emphasized the importance of mental health and staying grounded—especially when navigating fame, controversy, and personal growth.
His message to fans was clear: focus on what you can control, stay true to yourself, and never let negativity define you.
As he prepares to release Don’t Be Dumb, collaborate on major film projects, and welcome another child, A$AP Rocky is emerging stronger, wiser, and more motivated than ever.
Final Thoughts: From Pain to Power
A$AP Rocky’s journey over the past few years hasn’t been easy. From jail cells in Sweden to sold-out fashion shows and fatherhood with one of the world’s most iconic artists, he’s experienced a whirlwind of highs and lows.
But through it all, he’s managed to stay true to himself, use his experiences as inspiration, and transform trauma into art. His comeback is more than just a personal victory—it’s a testament to resilience, evolution, and the power of moving forward.
