Harlem rapper A$AP Rocky is headed home to await an assault verdict after weeks in a Swedish jail, in a case that attracted worldwide attention and support from celebrities _ including the president of the United States.
"A$AP Rocky released from prison and on his way home to the United States from Sweden," President Trump tweeted moments after Swedish officials announced that the rapper and other suspects would be freed until Aug. 14, when the verdict will be announced.
"It was a Rocky Week," Trump wrote. "Get home ASAP A$AP!"
Prosecutors are recommending six months in jail for ASAP Rocky, after wrapping up a highly-publicized assault trial for the embattled performer.
The Swedish authorities, in closing arguments, recommended six months in jail for the rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, and dismissed his self-defense claim, saying there was too much violence during his confrontation with 19-year-old Mustafa Jafari in Stockholm on June 30.
Prosecutors said Mayers, and two companions "deliberately, together and in agreement" hit and kicked Jafari, and even hit him with a bottle.
Mayers and his companions have been in custody in Stockholm since July 3. They pleaded not guilty earlier this week to assault charges.
Mayers, 30, was in Sweden on a music tour.
Mayers' case has attracted worldwide attention, and the rapper has received support from such celebrities as Kim Kardashian West, Justin Bieber, Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Trump sent America's top hostage negotiator to Sweden for Mayers' trial. The president has spoken personally with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven about the case, and has tweeted on Mayers' behalf, joining the #FreeRocky movement.
"Very disappointed in Prime Minister Stefan Lofven for being unable to act. Sweden has let our African American Community down in the United States," Trump tweeted last week. "I watched the tapes of A$AP Rocky, and he was being followed and harassed by troublemakers. Treat Americans fairly!"
