LL Cool J has a lot of sympathy for A$AP Rocky, but says if he's convicted in Swedish court of assault, he can't go on the lamb.
LL was at LAX Friday and made one point clear ... if he were in A$AP's shoes and got a guilty verdict, he would not just go back to Sweden and face the music ... rather, he'd "negotiate." We're reading between the lines, but it seems he's saying he'd do a little horse trading ... I'll come back, but you can't throw the book at me.
As for never going back, LL thinks that's a bad idea. Even if Rocky couldn't be extradited from the U.S., his travel would be severely restricted because other countries might in fact hook him up and send him back to Sweden.
As we reported, it's looking likely that A$AP will be found not guilty, because prosecutors failed to prove A$AP struck the alleged victim with a bottle.
A$AP Rocky was downright gleeful after touching down on U.S. soil Saturday just after midnight ... free for the first time in a month.
A$AP's private jet touched down at LAX after a long flight from Sweden ... this after the judges in his criminal case allowed him to leave the country as they noodled over the verdict.
The rapper was ecstatic ... smiling, taking pics with folks, hugging people. He actually stayed in the private terminal parking lot for around 45 minutes, talking and joking most of the time.
As we reported, all signs point to a not guilty verdict. Prosecutors in the assault case asked the judges to keep Rocky behind bars because he remained a flight risk. The judges had a middle-ground option -- to release him from custody but order that he remain in Sweden, pending the verdict which will be announced on August 14, but instead they let him return to the U.S.
Fact is ... a judge thought he was a flight risk a month ago when he threw Rocky in jail, even before charges were filed, so he'd be at least as much of a flight risk today ... and that's why it seems like it doesn't matter anymore and that he'll be found not guilty.
Our Rocky sources say he's never going back to Sweden, and even though his position has been that race was not a factor, privately everyone in his camp thinks it was, and he probably does as well. It was smart of him not to take a stand on the racial issue, for fear of inflaming the judges.
The key to the case seems to be a green bottle. Prosecutors maintained Rocky hit the alleged victim over the head with it, but not a single witness supported the theory, nor did the video. You do see Rocky holding a bottle, but he says he did it to fend off the guy and put it down on the ground.
Rocky does not have to appear in court for the verdict. It will be a written decision.
Rocky was released from jail on Friday pending the verdict, with President Donald Trump celebrating the news on Twitter. "It was a Rocky Week, get home ASAP A$AP!" Trump said.
The rapper landed back on U.S. soil Saturday, leaving behind him the looming verdict in an episode that has led to unexpected tension between the U.S. and its European ally.
According to the letters, obtained by NBC News partner Aftonbladet, the U.S. special presidential envoy for hostage affairs wrote to Swedish prosecutors urging them to release Rocky.
"The government of the United States of America wants to resolve this case as soon as possible to avoid potentially negative consequences to the U.S.-Swedish bilateral relationship," Amb. Robert O'Brien wrote in the letter, dated Wednesday.
In response Sweden's prosecutor-general, Petra Lundh, defended the independence of Swedish courts and said he therefore had to deny O'Brien's requests.
"No other prosecutor, not even I, may interfere with a specific case or try to affect the prosecutor responsible," Lundh wrote in a letter dated Thursday.
The letters marked the latest intervention by U.S. officials in a case that has commanded the attention of figures ranging from the president to Justin Bieber.
Trump said he spoke to Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven asking for his release and "offered to personally vouch for his bail."
Löfven responded to Trump's public pressure, saying the rapper would not get special treatment and that the judicial system was free to act independently without political sway.
The two-time Grammy nominee was in Stockholm headlining Smash x Stadion, a two-day hip-hop festival. He was forced to cancel a flurry of shows on his European tour since his July 3 arrest after a judge determined he would remain in custody because he was a flight risk.
O'Brien attended the hearings this week where Rocky told the court that he tried to handle the dispute peacefully and reason with two men who had confronted him before a brawl erupted.
The U.S. envoy stressed that Washington was "grateful that I got to attend and observe the judicial process" in Sweden.
Following closing arguments on Friday, a judge ordered Rocky be released from jail pending the verdict.
Despite the U.S. offering assurances that Rocky would not leave Sweden if released, the judge ruled that the rapper could leave the country in the interim.
Rocky shared an emotional post on Instagram after his release, thanking fans for their support during this "very difficult and humbling experience."
A final judgment in the case is expected to be reached Aug. 14.
US rapper A$AP Rocky has returned to the United States pending the verdict of his assault trial in Sweden.
The 30-year-old rapper, real name Rakim Mayers, was temporarily released from custody on August 2 along with two associates who are also accused of assault.
A private jet carrying the musician landed at LAX in Los Angeles in the early hours of Saturday morning.
#BREAKING: @asvpxrocky is back in the United States after being released from custody in Sweden. @Stu_Mundel caught his arrival at #LAX. #CBSLA
“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,” Rocky wrote in an Instagram post.
“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,” he added.
The rapper pleaded not guilty to assaulting a 19-year-old man in Stockholm on June 30. During a court appearance on Thursday, he told the courtroom that he was trying to diffuse the situation.
The rapper maintains that he was acting in self-defence when the encounter escalated to a brawl.
Prosecutors say the alleged victim, Mustafa Jafari, was beaten and hit with a bottle, which Rocky denies. The rapper admitted to punching the teenager in the fight, but insists he'd only briefly picked up the bottle before putting it down.
Fredrik Persson / AFP / Getty Images
A private jet at Arlanda airport in Stockholm on August 2, 2019, to pick up US rapper A$AP Rocky.
His arrest in Sweden, where there is no bail system, prompted a number of high-profile celebrities to call for his release, and a Change.org petition that amassed more than 640,000 signatures.
US President Donald Trump was among those to back the #JusticeForRocky campaign and asked his special envoy on hostage affairs — Robert O'Brien — to attend the trial.
A$AP Rocky released from prison and on his way home to the United States from Sweden. It was a Rocky Week, get home ASAP A$AP!
The rapper had previously lost an appeal with the Swedish Supreme Court to be released when a Swedish judge sided with prosecutors, ruling that the rapper was a “flight risk” and that he had to stay in jail another week while police continued to investigate the fight, the Associated Press reported.
The news of his temporary release was met with congratulations from celebrity peers including Tyler, the Creator – who tweeted “no more Sweden for me, ever” after the arrest.
Heposted a screenshot of him speaking with A$AP Rocky along with the caption: “RAKIM IS COMING HOME!!!!!!!!”
A$AP Rocky and his two associates must now wait until 14 August when the judge returns their verdict.
None of them are expected to be present in Sweden when the verdict is returned.
The maximum sentence for assault in Sweden is two years. During his closing, prosecutor Daniel Suneson recommended to the Stockholm District Court that the Grammy-nominated artist receive a sentence of at least six months in prison.
BuzzFeed News have reached out to representatives of A$AP Rocky for further comment.
American rapper A$AP Rocky landed in Los Angeles late Friday night after having been detained in Sweden since July on assault charges linked to a Stockholm street fight.
The 30-year-old rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, departed Stockholm Arlanda Airport earlier Friday. Los Angeles television stations reported the artist was among a group of people shown emerging from a private airplane at Los Angeles International Airport later that night.
The Stockholm District Court released A$AP Rocky, David Rispers Jr. and Bladimir Corniel until Aug. 14, when a verdict is expected. In an Instagram post that had nearly 3 million likes early Saturday, the rapper thanked his supporters and the Swedish court for him and his friends “Bladi” and “Thoto”’s release.
“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 CANT BEGIN TO DESCRIBE HOW GRATEFUL I AM FOR ALL OF YOU THIS HAS BEEN A VERY DIFFICULT AND HUMBLING EXPERIENCE,” A$AP wrote before departing Sweden.
“I WANT TO THANK THE COURT FOR ALLOWING ME BLADI AND THOTO TO RETURN TO OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL OF THE LOVE AND SUPPORT.”
President Trump also championed the news of A$AP’s release in a pun-riddled tweet Friday.
"A$AP Rocky released from prison and on his way home to the United States from Sweden. It was a Rocky Week, get home ASAP A$AP!” Trump wrote.
After urging from first lady Melania Trump and celebrities, including Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West, President Trump tried unsuccessfully to negotiate A$AP Rocky’s release before trial, including a phone call with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven in July.
Along with David Rispers Jr. and Bladimir Corniel, the rapper is accused of beating 19-year-old Mustafa Jafari on June 30, outside a fast-food restaurant in central Stockholm. Rocky, who had been jailed since his July 3 arrest, pleaded not guilty at the start of the three-day trial Tuesday, affirming that he acted in self-defense when Jafari and another man would not leave them alone.
One of the witnesses to the assault revised her story from initial police reports, testifying Friday that she didn't actually see Mayers hit Jafari with a bottle — a key focus of the trial. She and a friend, testifying anonymously at Stockholm District Court, both maintained that they did see Mayers and his partners assaulting Jafari, though. Robert O'Brien, a U.S. special presidential envoy sent to monitor the court proceedings, stressed that Washington was "grateful that I got to attend and observe the judicial process" in Sweden.
Archie Harrison, the newborn son of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, is only a few months old, but speculation has already started about a possible sibling for the infant. While some fans can’t wait to see more royal babies, still others believe that Markle should wait a while before putting her body through another pregnancy and delivery. Still, expanding their family is clearly on the royal couple’s mind.
In a recent interview with renowned conservationist and wildlife expert Jane Goodall, Prince Harry opened up about the plans that he and Markle have made for future babies – and they are already getting heat for it.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have weathered controversies
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex | Jacob King – WPA Pool/Getty Images
Many fans love Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and their desire to make the world a better place. However, they are certainly walking their own path and changing many royal traditions, and that has ruffled a lot of feathers over the past year.
From their multi-million dollar home renovations to their desire to keep Archie Harrison’s christening a private, low-key affair, and refusing to name his godparents, the way they are handling the spotlight has come with a lot of controversies.
Meghan Markle has taken the lion’s share of negative press, with media outlets claiming that she is difficult to work with and entitled. She has been blamed for spending too much taxpayer money on things like her pregnancy wardrobe and eco-friendly paint for baby Archie’s nursery.
Still, this latest media firestorm is unusual because it is actually Markle’s husband, Prince Harry, who has landed in the tabloid crosshairs.
Prince Harry only wants 2 children
Meghan Markle guest-edited the September issue of British Vogue. In the issue, there are a number of interviews with high-profile people all over the world, including a candid conversation between Jane Goodall and Prince Harry.
In the interview, Prince Harry and Jane Goodall discussed the state of the earth’s climate and ways to help people of all ages get involved in protecting the earth.
At one point, Goodall cautioned Prince Harry against having too many children, warning about the dangers of overpopulating the earth and depleting its natural resources. Prince Harry quickly responded, saying that he and Markle want “two, maximum.”
He mentioned that the planet is “borrowed,” which plays a role in their decision not to have a large family.
Experts believe Meghan Markle’s age could play a part in future pregnancies
"Two maximum!" — Prince Harry says he won't have a large number of children out of concern for the planet https://t.co/iIpfPvWXhU
— New York Times World (@nytimesworld) July 31, 2019
Immediately, Prince Harry’s words sparked backlash. The royal couple is already often faulted for being too liberal in matters of social justice as compared to the rest of the royal family, and Prince Harry speaking out about global warming and overpopulation certainly didn’t help their cause.
Still, social causes are clearly important to both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and they obviously believe that raising awareness about the dangers to the environment is well worth negative feedback from certain factions.
As to whether or not environmental issues could play a role in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle deciding to limit the number of children that they have, that remains to be seen.
At nearly 38 years old, Markle is considered to be of advanced maternal age. Experts have already weighed in and stated that if the couple does decide to have another baby, they should probably act quickly.
The longer they delay, the more risks their child would be exposed to, and the harder the pregnancy would likely be for Markle.
Of course, Prince Harry and Markle won’t confirm any specific reproductive plans with the public and aren’t likely to give further details on the hows and whys of expanding their family.
But royal watchers should keep a sharp eye out, and watch Markle’s wardrobe over the next few months for any telltale signs of a new royal baby bump.
On Friday, Disney Channel memorialized Cameron Boyce with an emotional tribute video at the end of the premiere broadcast of “Descendants 3.”
“Tonight’s premiere of #Descendants3 is dedicated to #CameronBoyce and is a celebration of his talent and the joy he brought to the world. You’ll always be in our hearts, Cameron,” the network said in a post on Twitter shortly after the film concluded.
The video features footage of various interviews with Boyce, outtakes and bloopers, candid footage, as well as praise and admiration from those he worked with. “Everything you are, every smile, every laugh, every dance, every hug, every moment, everyone you touched, you mean everything to us,” reads the message that flashes onscreen during the video.
Boyce, who was born on May 28, 1999, was found unresponsive in his home on July 8. “He passed away in his sleep due to a seizure which was a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated,” a Boyce family spokesperson told ABC News the day after. “The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him.”
Boyce starred in Disney’s “Descendants” franchise, in Adam Sandler’s “Grown-Ups” movies, as well as on TV’s “Jessie,” among other series and films. Watch the tribute video below:
15 Top Grossing Documentaries at the Box Office, From 'They Shall Not Grow Old' to 'Fahrenheit 9/11' (Photos)
Documentaries are rarely big money makers, but they can have the power to influence change and motivate people to action in a way narrative films cannot. So when a documentary does make a splash at the box office, it's an even bigger surprise. This list of the top-15 grossing documentaries ever is an interesting mix of political, nature and concert docs, and several of them likewise went on to win Oscars and critical acclaim. All numbers are domestic totals via Box Office Mojo.
Warner Bros./National Geographic Films/Paramount Classics
15. "They Shall Not Grow Old" (2018) - $17.9 million
Director Peter Jackson went to painstaking lengths to digitally restore and transform 100-year-old archival footage for his powerful documentary on World War I. Jackson restored color and sound to the Great War, something that was previously only known through black and white silent film. The documentary performed well in part because of a release that even transformed the footage into 3D.
Warner Bros.
14. "Oceans" (2010) - $19.4 million
You'll see a lot of Disneynature documentaries on this list. Pierce Brosnan narrates this 2010 documentary filmed across the world's oceans.
Disneynature
13. "Bowling for Columbine" (2002) - $21.5 million
Michael Moore's provocative documentary about American gun violence (and one of his best) won the Oscar for Best Documentary and broke international box office records for a documentary in 2002.
United Artists
12. "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" (2018) - $22.8 million
Morgan Neville's portrait of Fred Rogers and "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" proved to be a crowd-pleasing hit in the summer of 2018 because of the absolute niceness at its heart. Neville in his film explains that Fred Rogers was the rare person who really did not have a dark side, and in "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" it shows.
Jim Judkis / Focus Features
11. "An Inconvenient Truth" (2006) - $24.1 million
Davis Guggenheim's documentary spotlighting former Vice President Al Gore's plea to alert the world to the effects of global warming and climate change went on to win two Oscars and earn a sequel.
Paramount Classics
10. "Sicko" (2007) - $24.5 million
Another Michael Moore movie to crack the list, "Sicko" was Moore's look at the healthcare industry in America compared to other nations, with Moore sailing sick veterans down to Cuba to receive the care they couldn't have had at home.
Lionsgate
9. "Katy Perry: Part of Me" (2012) - $25.3 million
This 2012 concert movie followed Katy Perry on her California Dreams World Tour.
Paramount Pictures
8. "One Direction: This Is Us" (2013) - $28.8 million
"Super Size Me" filmmaker Morgan Spurlock directed this concert doc about the then wildly popular British boy group.
TriStar
7. "Chimpanzee" (2012) - $28.9 million
Tim Allen narrated this Disneynature doc about a three-month old chimp separated from his flock and adopted by another grown male.
Disneynature
6. "Earth" (2007) - $32 million
The first of Disneynature's documentaries, "Earth" was a theatrical version of the popular "Planet Earth" miniseries from 2006. "Earth" was finally given a stateside theatrical release in 2009.
Disneynature
5. "2016: Obama's America" (2012) - $33.4 million
Dinesh D'Souza's anti-Obama documentary speculated about where the country would be if Obama won a second term in office in 2012.
Rocky Mountain Pictures
4. "Michael Jackson's This Is It" (2009) - $72 million
The footage in "This Is It" comes from a behind-the-scenes look at preparation for Michael Jackson's 50 shows at London's O2 Arena. It wasn't originally meant to be made into a film, but it provided an intimate look at Jackson in his final days.
Sony
3. "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" (2011) - $73 million
The Biebs holds the spot for the highest-grossing concert film ever and the documentary with the biggest opening weekend of all time.
Paramount Pictures
2. "March of the Penguins" (2005) - $77.4 million
People sure love penguins. Morgan Freeman narrates the nature documentary that opened on just four screens but soon spread into a nationwide hit.
National Geographic Films
1. "Fahrenheit 9/11" (2004) - $119.1 million
Michael Moore's scathing documentary about President George W. Bush and the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks is the highest-grossing documentary of all time and it isn't even close. The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Opening at over $23 million, the movie at the time opened higher than any other documentary had ever grossed in its lifetime. Moore followed up the film with a documentary about the 2016 election and Donald Trump, titled "Fahrenheit 11/9," which refers to the day after he was elected.
Miramax
1 of 16
Michael Moore, Disneynature and several concert films top the list
Documentaries are rarely big money makers, but they can have the power to influence change and motivate people to action in a way narrative films cannot. So when a documentary does make a splash at the box office, it's an even bigger surprise. This list of the top-15 grossing documentaries ever is an interesting mix of political, nature and concert docs, and several of them likewise went on to win Oscars and critical acclaim. All numbers are domestic totals via Box Office Mojo.
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