The State Department is asking Sweden to treat American rapper A$AP Rocky fairly, Politico reports.
A$AP Rocky — the stage name of Rakim Mayers – was arrested on July 2 after his involvement in a fight that took place before he was to appear in a music festival in Stockholm.
It was not clear who else was involved in the incident. Videos published on social media, show a person being violently thrown onto the ground by Mayers. He and others punched and kicked the person on the ground.
“There are certainly some facts about the arrest and detention that raise concerns,” said a spokesperson for the State Department. “We expect all governments, including Sweden, to treat American citizens fairly and with respect. … We hope to see ASAP Rocky and his colleagues back on tour and reunited with friends and family soon.”
Swedish prosecutors have not yet charged Mayers with a crime and must decide by Friday whether to do so. Until then, they are holding him in solitary confinement, triggering uproar among American artists. Politico said top officials at the State Department are keeping close tabs on the situation.
A source close to the rapper said Mayers and his entourage were walking around the city when two men verbally harassed them.
“They were obviously spoiling for a fight,” said the person. The person added that the rapper and his crew “had no choice but to defend themselves” and that the two men who had been accosting Rocky and his colleagues got physical first. The person also said Rocky is “eager to defend himself and his name” in court if charges are filed.
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