Music

ASAP Rocky charged with aggravated assault in Sweden – here’s what happens next


A$AP Rocky has been charged with aggravated assault following his part in a street brawl in Stockholm in June.

In a statement on Thursday, prosecutor Daniel Suneson said that he filed charges against the American rapper and two members of his entourage.

He explained he had come “to the conclusion that the events in question constitute a crime and despite claims of self-defence and provocation”.

Rocky, real name Rakin Mayers, has been in custody in Sweden since 3 July while authorities investigated the fight. The incident is said to have taken place ahead of a music festival appearance in the country.

His incarceration has generated concern and pleas for his release from fellow recording artists, such as Kanye West, Justin Bieber and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.

A man puts up posters saying outside the Kronoberg custody in Stockhol
A man puts up posters outside the Kronoberg custody, as a prosecution for assault and battery was announced against U.S. rapper ASAP Rocky in Stockholm (Photo: Reuters)

Presidential intervention

On 19 July, US President Donald Trump weighed in, tweeting from aboard Air Force One: “I will be calling the very talented Prime Minister of Sweden to see what we can do about helping A$AP Rocky.”

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven’s office released a statement confirming that he would not intervene in the case, adding that his decision “underlined that in Sweden everyone is equal before the law”.

Footage alleged to be of the fight emerged on social media. It appeared to show the rapper throwing a man to the ground has his entourage punched and kicked him.

Other members of the crew appear to be seen attacking a second man.

Rocky uploaded his own footage of the brawl on Instagram, which appeared to show the rapper being followed by the two men who were later allegedly attacked by his entourage.

It appears to show one of the men throwing headphones at a security guard.

“He hit me with the headphones, he cut me on my head – I could really beat the shit out of him, I don’t even know him, he’s following us,” the guard can be heard telling a bystander. “Tell him to leave us alone.”

Mayers can be heard saying: “We don’t want to fight you … We don’t want no problem with these boys – they keep following us.”

What happens next?

Prosecutor Suneson said in his statement: “It is worth noting that I have had access to a greater amount of material than that which has previously been available on the internet.”

He added that “in addition to video material, the injured party’s statements have been supported by witness statements”.

The three suspects will remain in custody in Kronoberg prison until the trial, which is expected to last for three days.

The Stockholm District Court is yet to set a date for the proceedings.





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