A$AP Rocky Finds New Support From Congressional Black Caucus

While he remains in Swedish prison on aggravated assault, rapper A$AP Rocky (real name Rakim Mayers) has found support from a surprising new source: the Congressional Black Caucus.

As reported by TMZ, multiple members of the Caucus voiced their belief that Mayers’ human rights are being violated while he remains in custody. These members including Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York and Andre Carson of Indiana as well as Hispanic Caucus member Rep. Adriano Espaillat of New York.

“The situation with A$AP Rocky is unfortunate. It’s outrageous. It needs to be addressed,” Jeffries said in an interview with TMZ. “You can expect that members of Congress, particularly those of us who are part of the Congressional Black Caucus, are going to continue to weigh in forcefully until A$AP Rocky is free.”

Jeffries also stated that Carson has been pressuring the State Department to make contact with the Swedish government on the matter.

“There are certainly some facts about the arrest and detention that raise concerns,” a spokesperson from the State Department said on Tuesday. “We expect all governments, including Sweden, to treat American citizens fairly and with respect. We hope to see A$AP Rocky and his colleagues back on tour and reunited with friends and family soon.”

Mayers was arrested following accusations of assaulting two men after a festival in Stockholm. However, Mayers countered these claims with footage that shows the accusers stalking and harassing him prior to the incident. TMZ has also reported that the conditions in Mayers’ prison cell have been unsanitary and severely uncomfortable.