This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
Asap Rocky, the American rapper, has been held in Swedish custody for nearly two weeks following a street brawl. The pressure is mounting on Swedish authorities to release him, with US celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, lobbying for his release.
According to reports, Kim Kardashian has been in talks with Donald Trump and his team to find a way to free Rocky. She reportedly called Trump's senior advisor, Jared Kushner, who then spoke to the President about Rocky's situation in Sweden.
President Trump believes that Rocky has been treated unfairly and wants to help. Kanye West is also said to have pushed Kim to reach out to the President. However, Swedish officials are not cracking under pressure and are still holding Rocky, with no decision yet made on whether to free him or charge him.
Many people are shocked by the length of time Rocky has been detained without being charged with any crimes. The case has sparked protests from some artistes, with Cardi B expressing her support for Rocky's release but refusing to protest Sweden, saying 'I'm not gonna ban a country that's shown me so much, love. But they do need to free Asap Rocky.'
Quavo, a member of the rap group Migos, has also spoken out about the unfair treatment he received when he visited Sweden. He and his cameraman were detained at a Swedish airport for no reason and were eventually released.
The Swedish ambassador has denied any bias against black people, saying they are welcome in the country and have nothing to fear.
