A$AP Rocky attends Kanye West's church service after release from Swedish prison

Rapper says incarceration has been a 'difficult and humbling experience' 

Chelsea Ritschel
New York
Monday 05 August 2019 12:08 EDT
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Donald and Melania Trump speak out on A$AP Rocky arrest in Sweden

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Following his release from Swedish prison and return to the United States, A$AP Rocky attended Kanye West’s spiritual church service.

On Sunday, the rapper, who spent the last month in prison for charges related to an assault, was seen at West’s weekly service held in California.

In videos of the event, the 30-year-old can be seen talking to West, who helped raise widespread awareness of the rapper’s arrest, as well as Kendall Jenner, who Rocky briefly dated in 2017.

Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, arrived in the US Saturday morning via private jet after he was released from jail pending a verdict by the Stockholm District Court.

The rapper has been in custody alongside David Rispers Jr and Bladimir Corniel since 3 July, following an altercation involving a man named Mustafa Jafari.

The three men are accused of beating up 19-year-old Jafari in a street brawl in June, a charge they have all denied.

On Saturday, the rapper shared a message of gratitude on Instagram to those who have supported him throughout the ordeal, writing in all capital letters: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of my fans, friends and anyone across the globe who supported me during these last few weeks. I can’t begin to describe how grateful I am for all of you. This has been a very difficult and humbling experience.

“I want to thank the court for allowing me, Bladi and Thoto to return to our family and friends. Thanks again for all of the love and support.”

The case gained national attention after West appealed to President Trump for help freeing Rocky from Swedish custody.

In July, the president tweeted that he had just spoken to West about his “friend A$AP Rocky’s incarceration” and would be “calling the very talented Prime Minister of Sweden” to discuss the arrest.

“So many people would like to see this quickly resolved!” Mr Trump concluded.

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After the rapper was allowed to temporarily leave Sweden, the president celebrated his release, tweeting: “It was a Rocky Week, get home ASAP A$AP!”

A verdict is expected on 14 August.

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