For rapper A$AP Rocky, at least a small part of his ongoing legal ordeal is over, having returned to the United States over the weekend after his release from jail in Sweden on Friday.
According to The New York Times, a judge ruled Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, and his co-defendants Bladimir Corniel and David Rispers are not forced to stay in Sweden while awaiting a verdict regarding his assault case.
Rocky testified in court earlier this month, pleading not guilty and telling the court he acted in self-defence when he attacked 19-year old Musfata Jafari. A verdict is due in two weeks, on August 14th, and prosecutors are pushing for six months in jail for Rocky over the incident.
Secretary general of the Swedish Bar Association Anne Ramberg told the Times that Rocky and crew’s release could be a sign that they will be found either not guilty, or if they are in fact convicted, will be sentenced to time served.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of my fans, friends and anyone across the globe who supported me during these last few weeks. I can’t begin to describe how grateful I am for all of you,” wrote Rocky in an Instagram post, calling the process a “very difficult and humbling experience.”
To celebrate his return to home soil, Rocky attended one of Kanye West’s Sunday Service events in California, spotted in attendance with fellow A$AP Mob member A$AP Ferg and Kendall Jenner, along with Mr. West himself.
Rocky’s legal troubles began early last month, being arrested in Sweden after footage emerged of Rocky and his crew engaging in a street fight with two men in Stockholm. Rocky went on to share videos in which he and his crew ask the men to walk away, but they continue to follow them.
Rocky was later arrested and charged with assault over the incident, with everyone from fellow rappers to President Donald Trump calling for Rocky’s release.
While Rocky could still be found guilty of the incident but until then, he is free to his pleas in the court – for “a proper shower”, and to “take it easy and be with my mother and friends.”
