A$AP Rocky pleads not guilty in Sweden

by Jessica Campisi - 07/30/19 8:30 AM ET

American rapper A$AP Rocky reportedly pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a Swedish assault charge in a case that’s attracted the interest of President Trump.

The 30-year-old rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was charged with assault last Thursday after Trump tried to advocate for his release. Rocky’s lawyer said Tuesday that his client was acting in self-defense, Reuters reports.

The New York rapper was arrested on July 2 after voluntarily questioning by police in Stockholm over a street fight in which he allegedly was involved. A video of the alleged fight began circulating on social media and appeared to show the 30-year-old musician slamming another person into the ground.{mosads}

Prosecutor Daniel Suneson filed charges against Rocky and two others “suspected of assault causing actual bodily harm, having come to the conclusion that the events in question constitute a crime and despite claims of self-defense and provocation,” adding that a bottle was used to hit the alleged 19-year-old victim.

Rocky’s representatives said the fight was started by people harassing the performer and his entourage and they were just defending themselves.

Rocky and the plaintiff will face cross-examination on Tuesday, Reuters reports. If convicted, the charges carry a maximum sentence of two years in prison.

Magnus Stromberg, a lawyer for the alleged victim, said his client is seeking nearly $15,000 in damages, CNN reports.

The case quickly gained traction in the U.S. after Trump said he learned of it from first lady Melania Trump and had discussed it with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West. Trump previously said he had “started talks” with Sweden about Rocky’s release, but the president lashed out after Sweden decided to pursue charges.