This archive report was first published on 25 July 2019.
On July 25, 2019, Swedish prosecutors announced that they would proceed with charges against American rapper ASAP Rocky, also known as Rakim Mayers, for an alleged assault that occurred on June 30 in central Stockholm.
The charges stem from a street brawl that was captured on video, in which Rocky is accused of punching a man who had been following and harassing him despite being repeatedly asked to stop.
Rocky's lawyer, Slobodan Jovicic, has not commented on the charges, but the rapper himself has claimed self-defense, stating that the man he appeared to punch had followed and harassed him.
According to Swedish law, the trial must take place within two weeks, and Rocky will remain in custody until then. Two members of his entourage also face trial.
The case has drawn international attention, including a phone call between President Trump and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven on July 20, 2019, in which Trump offered to personally vouch for Rocky's bail. However, Sweden has no system of bail, and normally keeps foreigners accused of crimes in detention due to flight risk.
Prosecutor Daniel Suneson stated that the prosecution will proceed despite claims of self-defense and provocation, and that the punishment for Rocky could include a fine based on his daily earnings and up to two years in prison.
