A$AP Rocky’s 2019 Arrest Nearly Sparked Trade War Between US And Sweden

Former President Donald Trump allegedly threatened Sweden if they did not release rapper ASAP Rocky from their custody.

According to TMZ, Morgan Johansson, Sweden’s Justice Minister, revealed that Trump strong-armed the country to release the rapper by imposing possible trade restrictions between the United States and Sweden.

“If you can try and do something like this against Sweden,” Johansson said. “what will you then try and do to slightly weaker countries that don’t have the European Union behind them?”

Rapper ASAP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was arrested in Stockholm three years ago after being filmed beating a fan outside of a restaurant. The footage showed the three men reportedly hitting and kicking Mustafa Jafari before attacking him with a broken bottle.

DailyMail reports that Rocky’s legal team accused Jafari of harassing and racially abusing the rapper. His arrest and detention in a prison cell in Stockholm for more than a month triggered a diplomatic spat between Sweden and the United States.

After being made aware of Rocky’s situation by his wife, Former first lady Melania and rapper Kanye West, Trump tweeted his support for the rapper.

“Very disappointed in Prime Minister Stefan Löfven for being unable to act. Sweden has let our African American Community down in the United States,” Trump said. “I watched the tapes A$AP Rocky and he was followed and harassed by troublemakers. Treat Americans fairly. #FreeRocky.”

Trump posted a second tweet, demanding that the rapper is freed and alleging that the United States does a lot for Sweden with nothing in return.

“Give A$AP Rocky his FREEDOM. We do so much for Sweden, but it doesn’t seem to work the other way around. Sweden should focus on its real crime problem! #FreeRocky.”

Rocky has also discussed the extended ordeal in the past, including in the Architects-directed 2021 documentary, “Stockholm syndrome.”

During the film premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, it was revealed that Rocky had pushed back against the once-dominant narrative regarding Trump’s involvement. Rocky said in the documentary that Trump made the matter worse than easier for him.

“In reality, I had no problem saying thank you to the man, especially if he helped me,” Rocky said. “That’s the narrative they pushin’: That he got me out. And he didn’t free me. If anything, he made it a little worse.”

Rocky was found guilty of assault, and a Swedish court gave him the equivalent of a suspended sentence and allowed him to return home.