Published 20:57 IST, July 20th 2019
US President Donald Trump roots for A$AP Rocky's release from Swedish jail, speaks to Sweden PM Stefan Löfven
In a surprising turn of events following American rapper A$AP Rocky's arrest, US President Donald Trump is rooting for the jailed artist's bail.
In a surprising turn of events following American rapper A$AP Rocky's arrest in Stockholm, US President Donald Trump is rooting for the jailed 'American citizen' and artist's bail.
Taking to Twitter, President Donald Trump on Saturday said that he spoke with the Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven about the rapper, and that was assured by the Swedish authorities would treat the rapper fairly, during his time in custody.
The US President also asserted that he is personally vouching for Rocky's bail or trying to work on an alternative solution. Trump further mentioned that American and Swedish authorities will talk more on the issue and work things out.
According to reports, Trump's tweet in support for the rapper comes after he was urged by the First Lady Melania Trump, rapper Kanye West, and celebrity Kim Kardashian West.
After his talks with the US President, Löfven responded saying that he welcomes the US President's interest in the case. However, Löfven maintained that Sweden's judicial system is independent and equal for everyone.
“I understand that President Trump has a personal interest in the case....He has expressed the desire for a conversation with me, which is certainly positive,” Lofven said. “I will explain that the Swedish judicial system is independent. In Sweden, everyone is equal before the law, and this includes visitors from other countries.”
Meanwhile, fans have slammed Donald Trump and cited his statement as a gimmick to bag black votes. Here's how Netizens have reacted to President Trump's statement:
A$AP Rocky whose real name is Rakim Mayers has been jailed for three weeks now following a street brawl in Stockholm before a scheduled performance at a music festival. Videos have emerged where Rocky narrates that he was being followed by two locals. However, the situation escalated after the two locals attacked the rapper and his entourage according to the video. Later it would be seen how the situation turned violent after Rocky and his group attacked the men in retaliation.
Another set of videos shows Rocky slamming one person onto the ground. However, ever since he was jailed, A$AP Rocky and his lawyers have maintained that his act was in self-defense.
Fellow artists A$AP Ferg, G-Eazy, Post Malone, Justin Beiber, and Nicky Minaj have called for the platinum record-selling and Grammy-nominated rapper's release from the Swedish prison.
Rocky is also a founding member of American hip-hop group A$AP Mob. Fans across the world have called for A$AP Rocky's release by starting a petition and quoting the hashtag #FreeFlacko
Updated 22:20 IST, July 20th 2019