WORLD A$AP’s rocky road

Rapper in court over alleged assault

US rapper A$AP Rocky has told a Swedish court he felt “scared” and had tried to “walk away” before a street brawl, in an assault case that has stirred diplomatic tensions and outraged fans.

The musician faces up to two years in prison over the incident, which saw him and his crew become involved in a physical fight with a 19-yearold in Stockholm on June 30.

The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, appeared calm as he recounted how he and his entourage had repeatedly told the teen to leave them alone.

“We pleaded, and we begged him,” said Mayers, who is on trial along with two other people.

He said the man’s behaviour seemed “fearless” and beyond his bodyguard’s control.

“That’s what scared us the most,” he told the court.

Mayers conceded he “threw” the plaintiff to the ground and “kicked his arm” but insisted he only acted after the accuser and his friend began attacking his bodyguard.

The defence has argued Mayers acted in self-defence and entered a not-guilty plea.

Dozens of fans gathered outside the tribunal for a chance to hear the rapper testify.

Mayers’ mother Renee Black showed up for the trial’s second day wearing a black shirt with the words “A$AP Rocky” printed on the front and the back.

The rapper was arrested on July 3 along with three other people following the fight.

Considered a “flight risk”, A$AP Rocky has been held in custody since his arrest.

Much of the trial has centred around video evidence and whether a bottle had been used as a weapon during the alleged assault.

One video published by US celebrity news outlet TMZ shows the rapper throwing a young man to the ground and apparently aiming several punches at him while he is down.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for the rapper to be freed, drawing complaints of interference from the Swedish parliament.