A$AP Rocky pleads not guilty to assault charge

The US rapper’s lawyer said A$AP Rocky stated he had acted in self defence as the first day of his trial in Sweden got underway on Tuesday. A$AP Rocky was arrested in Stockholm in early July and was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm in connection with a street brawl.

We spoke to one of the lawyers defending one of ASAP Rocky’s friends last night and he told us that the new evidence he has includes testimony from 2 new witnesses. He thinks this evidence is significant enough to change the case’s direction for the 3 men.

The trial has begun. The man who alleges he was assaulted by ASAP Rocky and two of his associates has asked for SEK 139,700 in compensation – that’s just over 12,000 pounds.

The Swedish prosecutor has compiled a 500 page preliminary report into this case. Now going through several pages of photos and medical descriptions of injuries sustained by man who alleges ASAP Rocky assaulted him. Also showing images of the bottle allegedly used.

Hearing now going through text messages from ASAP Rockys friends and bodyguard about the fight, including discussing meaning of certain words such as “dust off” – prosecution taking that to mean laying hands on somebody.

Trial has paused for break. ASAP Rockys mum stood up and hugged the person sitting next to her. Paparazzi have followed her from the courthouse door to her waiting black car. Trial resumes 45 minutes from now.

The trial is now going back through the text messages from earlier – but it is ASAP Rockys lawyer talking now. Highlighting the same discussions but focussing on how they thought the man who alleges they assaulted him appeared to be on drugs.

ASAP Rocky’s lawyer also highlighting messages between Rocky’s team that describe the man as following them around.

Presser now begun with ASAP Rockys lawyer. The two witnesses to be called will be the bodyguard and another person who “saw something interesting”

ASAP Rocky’s lawyer has just stated that they think they are going to be able to demonstrate that no bottle was used in the way the prosecution are claiming.

Speaking on Rocky’s decision to post footage on Instagram, ASAP Rocky’s lawyer tells the BBC said he is thankful that footage beyond the TMZ footage exists, but says he can’t comment on whether the decision to post it online was the right one.

Rocky case adjourning for the day – he didn’t speak but the accuser did. “I felt like they were going to beat me to death,” he said.