Rapper A$AP Rocky and two bodyguards, David Rispers Jr. and Bladimir Corniel, were released from jail in Sweden and allowed to return home to the United States on Friday, pending a final verdict in the case against them. TMZ reported that the rapper appeared “ecstatic … smiling, taking pics with folks, hugging people” upon his arrival in Los Angeles.
President Donald Trump, who personally intervened in the case, wasted no time in taking to Twitter to celebrate, and even had a little fun with puns while doing so. “A$AP Rocky released from prison and on his way home to the United States from Sweden. It was a Rocky Week, get home ASAP A$AP!” the president wrote.
A$AP Rocky released from prison and on his way home to the United States from Sweden. It was a Rocky Week, get home ASAP A$AP!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2019
Trouble in Sweden
The rapper and his two bodyguards were arrested on July 3 and charged with assault for allegedly beating two men who instigated a fight with them on the streets in Sweden in July. The three men said they acted in self-defense.
Swedish prosecutors accused Rocky, 30, and the other two men of using excessive force in the melee and urged the court to keep them in jail for a six-month sentence. They further argued against the release of the defendants, calling them a potential flight risk.
However, given the judge’s decision to not only release Rocky and his crew from jail, but also to allow them to return to the U.S. ahead of a final sentencing hearing, suggests the men will ultimately be found not guilty. A final verdict is scheduled to be delivered August 14.
Trump admin intervenes
Trump took an interest in Rocky’s case shortly after his arrest, which had prompted an outcry among the black and hip-hop communities in America, including Trump-supporting rapper Kanye West, who is personal friends with Rocky.
At the time, Trump told reporters in the White House, “I personally don’t know A$AP Rocky, but I can tell you that he has tremendous support from the African American community in this country. And when I say African American, I think I can really say from everybody in this country, because we’re all one.”
“I have been called by so many people asking me to help A$AP Rocky, actually the one who knew about A$AP Rocky was our first lady,” he added and turned to Melania Trump standing beside him, who told reporters that efforts would be made through the State Department to secure the rapper’s release.
According to letters obtained by NBC and CNN, U.S. Ambassador Robert O’Brien asked for Rocky’s “immediate humanitarian release” from prison, adding that the U.S. wanted “to resolve this case as soon as possible to avoid potentially negative consequences to the U.S.-Swedish bilateral relationship.”
As for Rocky — real name Rakim Mayers — he posted his gratitude at being released from jail to Instagram on Friday. “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. This has been a very difficult and humbling experience,” he wrote.
Trump supports all Americans
The whole affair is a devastating blow to the media’s “Trump is a racist” narrative.
Trump is a president that cares about and supports all Americans, regardless of race, color, or creed, and you can bet that plenty of Rocky’s fans have taken note of that fact.
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