A$AP Rocky to return to Sweden to perform months after assault conviction
Thanks to fan demand, the MC is headed back to Stockholm, but this time for a Dec. 11 concert, which comes months after his controversial assault case
A$AP Rocky will be heading back to Sweden for a Dec. 11 concert just months after an assault conviction that sparked outrage and fan backlash.
“After massive support from the Swedish fans he is returning to Stockholm for an anticipated concert,” entertainment company Live Nation said in a statement on Friday, according to Billboard magazine.
READ MORE: A$AP Rocky finally freed from Swedish prison…for now
Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was arrested on July 3 following a street fight in Stockholm on June 30. In August he was freed from a Swedish prison and the inhumane conditions reported by witnesses, after pressure from celebrities and even President Trump.
In August, he was found guilty of assault and handed a conditional sentence. The Stockholm District Court rejected his assertion that he and his entourage acted in self-defense.
“Based on statements from two witnesses, the court finds that the defendants were not subject to a current or imminent criminal attack. Therefore, they were not in a situation where they were entitled to use violence in self-defence [sic],” according to a statement from the court.
The conditional sentence means that Rocky will be subject to a probationary period of two years.
Later that month, he took the stage at the Real Street festival in Anaheim, Calif., and addressed the ordeal.
“Everybody listen, I know you was praying for me,” he told the screaming audience, before opening up about his time in the Swedish jail.
“Y’all know how happy I am to be here right now,” he began. “I wanna say this though. When I was away—hold the mosh please, this a sentimental moment!—what I experienced was crazy…. It was a scary, humbling experience but I’m here right now. God is good. People who ain’t even f**k with me felt sympathy. People was praying for me, that uplifted me when my spirits was low. I can’t thank y’all enough, man, that was crazy. Hip-hop never looked so strong together.”
READ MORE: A$AP Rocky speaks out about Swedish ordeal in first concert since arrest
“I am of course disappointed by today’s verdict,” he later said when Page Six reported of his conviction.
“I want to say thanks again to all of my fans, friends and everyone who showed me love during this difficult time,” he added. “Imma keep moving forward. Thank you to my team, my management, attorneys, label and everyone who advocated for justice.”
