This archive report was first published on 22 July 2019.
US President Donald Trump has made a phone call to the Swedish Prime Minister, Stefan Lofven, in an effort to secure bail for American rapper Asap Rocky, who has been in jail for over three weeks following a street fight in Stockholm.
According to Trump's tweet, he assured the Prime Minister that Asap Rocky was not a flight risk, one of the main reasons cited for denying him bail. However, Sweden does not have a bail system, and the Prime Minister's office has emphasized the country's independent judicial system.
Despite the Prime Minister's statement that the government cannot and will not influence the legal proceedings, Trump's intervention has sparked a mixed reaction from celebrities. While some, like Justin Bieber, have expressed gratitude for Trump's efforts, others have criticized him for not taking action on other pressing issues, such as the treatment of migrant children at the US-Mexico border.
Justin Bieber tweeted, 'I want my friend out... I appreciate you trying to help him. But while you're at it @realDonaldTrump can you also let those kids out of cages?' Trump has not responded to the request.
Asap Rocky's case has garnered international attention, with several high-profile celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, advocating for his release.
