US rapper ASAP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has been found guilty of assault stemming from a fight in Stockholm. The court handed him a two-year suspended sentence and ordered him to pay damages to the victim.
Details of the Incident and Verdict
ASAP Rocky, 30, was detained for nearly a month following the incident at the end of June before being released pending the verdict. In a statement on Instagram, he expressed his disappointment with the decision and thanked his fans for their support.
Two of ASAP Rocky’s associates, Bladimir Corniel and David Rispers, were also found guilty of the same charge. The court noted that while the assault did not warrant a prison sentence, all three defendants received conditional sentences. This means they will avoid prison if they commit no further crimes during a two-year probation period.
Court’s Findings
The defendants claimed self-defense against two men they said were following them. However, the court concluded that they were not in a situation that justified self-defense, stating that the group assaulted the victim by hitting and kicking him while he was on the ground. The court also mentioned that ASAP Rocky threw the victim to the ground and stepped on his arm.
The victim, a 19-year-old refugee, was awarded damages for the violation of his integrity and for pain and suffering. The court ruled there was insufficient evidence to prove that bottles were used during the assault, a significant point of contention during the trial.
Legal and Public Reactions
ASAP Rocky’s lawyer, Slobodan Jovicic, acknowledged the court’s recognition that Rocky and his group were harassed and that no bottle was used. However, he disagreed with the court’s decision that Rocky did not act in self-defense.
The case drew international attention, including intervention attempts by US President Donald Trump, who claimed ASAP Rocky was being treated unfairly. Despite Trump’s conversations with Sweden’s Prime Minister, he could not secure the rapper’s release, leading to frustration.
Post-Verdict Reactions
While the trial attracted significant media attention, the scene outside the court during the verdict was more subdued, with fewer media and fans present. Despite not receiving a not-guilty verdict, Rocky’s team and fans were relieved he wouldn’t have to return to Sweden to serve a prison sentence.
ASAP Rocky had to cancel several festival appearances while in custody. However, he resumed performances shortly after his release, including a set at the 92.3 Real Street Festival in California, where he described his time in Swedish prison as “scary” and “humbling.” He encouraged fans to continue praying for him and is scheduled to headline Blockfest in Finland.
