A$AP Rocky remains behind bars, but his attacker will not be charged for any crime over his involvement in the Stockholm street brawl which landed Rocky in jail
(despite the fact that he incited the violence, harassed and followed the rapper and his crew before they retaliated)
Swedish prosecutors believe the man who harassed Rocky acted in self-defense when he attacked his bodyguard, after being pushed and lifted by his neck. The initial video does not show any physical altercation, but prosecutors have drawn that conclusion.
In the first video, which Rocky posted on Instagram, he can be heard trying to play peacemaker and diffuse the situation. “We don’t want no problems with these boys. They keep following us,” says Rocky.
Despite the footage, prosecutors say the man acted in self-defense when he threw his headphones at Rocky’s bodyguard, cutting his head. However, the bodyguard has already been cleared by Swedish authorities.
The man was never taken into custody during the investigation, while Rocky was arrested a day after the incident and remains in jail two-and-a-half weeks later while prosecutors decide whether to charge him with aggravated assault. If convicted, he faces six years in Swedish prison.
Formal charges are expected Thursday. Prosecutors and the judge insist Rocky is a flight risk and he remains in detention and will continue to be held if charged are filed.
Meanwhile, President Trump has intervened after speaking with Kanye West. During a call with Sweden’s prime minister Stefan Löfven, he “offered to personally vouch” for Rocky’s bail and assured Löfven that Rocky was not a flight risk. However, Löfven said he would not let their discussion influence prosecutors or courts.
“I understand that President Trump has a personal interest in the case….He has expressed the desire for a conversation with me, which is certainly positive,” said Löfven. “I will explain that the Swedish judicial system is independent. In Sweden, everyone is equal before the law, and this includes visitors from other countries.”
