Rapper A$AP Rocky could be spending the next two years of his life behind bars in Sweden after he was charged for his involvement in a physical assault that took place last month.
The Harlem emcee was charged with assault causing bodily harm in the June 30 brawl that was caught on video, prosecutors said in a statement Thursday. In the video, Rocky shared, it appeared as though he was being harassed by Swedish residents prior to issuing the physical blows.
But the case against the Grammy-nominated artist will proceed “despite claims of self-defense and provocation,” public prosecutor for Stockholm, Daniel Suneson, said in an email, per New York Times.
The rapper, born Rakim Mayers, has been in Swedish custody since July 3, following his confrontation with two Afghan migrants. The rapper’s lawyer, Slobodan Jovicic, maintains Rocky’s innocence and says he was only defending himself after being assaulted by the group of men.
RELATED: A$AP Rocky Detained In Swedish Jail With ‘Feces, Dirty Water, Inedible Food’
Public prosecutor Daniel Suneson, of the City Public Prosecution Office in Stockholm, claims A$AP and two members of his crew assaulted one of the males by kicking and beating him with a glass bottle, according to court documents obtained by CNN. Rocky and his two crew members have been charged for their involvement in the assault and will remain in Swedish custody until the trial.
“It is worth noting that I have had access to a greater amount of material than that which has previously been available on the internet. In addition to video material, the injured party’s statements have been supported by witness statements,” Suneson said.
The prosecutor claims to have evidence including cell phone videos, surveillance video from the Grand Hotel and a nearby burger restaurant, text messages from A$AP’s bodyguard and assistant about the assault, and DNA analysis from a bottle allegedly used in the assault, MSN reports.
Footage posted by A$AP Rocky him being harassed and physically attacked by the alleged victim prior to his crew getting involved. In another video, Rocky appears to grab one of the men and throw him to the ground — kicking and punching him along with members of his entourage.
As previously reported, Swedish prosecutors opted to NOT charge the man who was caught on video instigating an altercation with the Harlem rapper. In addition to that, the country’s Prime Minister kindly asked White House occupant Trump to mind his matters when it comes to A$AP’s assault case in Sweden.
A$AP is reportedly being held in solitary confinement without any visitation or call privileges and facing up to two years in prison if convicted. He could be held in prison until he is due to stand trial in mid-August.
