A$AP Rocky was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on April 20, apparently stemming from an alleged November 2021 shooting incident. Per NBC News, Rocky, 33, was returning to the U.S. after spending time with his girlfriend Rihanna in her native Barbados.
The L.A.P.D. released a statement through Twitter confirming Rocky’s connection to the case, writing, “On November 6, 2021, around 10:15 p.m., an argument between two acquaintances occurred in the area of Selma Avenue and Argyle Avenue, in the Hollywood Area. The argument escalated and resulted in the suspect firing a handgun at the victim. The victim sustained a minor injury from the incident and later sought his medical treatment.”
According to TMZ, Rocky was arrested “for assault with a deadly weapon.” Following the arrest, footage surfaced of Los Angeles police officers searching his home.
The arrest is Rocky’s second high-profile detainment in the last few years. In July 2019, he and two friends were arrested in Stockholm on assault charges, and reportedly detained in unsanitary conditions. Eventually, Rocky returned to the U.S. in August, after then-President Donald Trump got involved in the case, sending a hostage envoy. He claimed self-defense in court and was later found guilty, ultimately being given a two-year suspended sentence.
Rocky recalled his experience in Sweden in a 2021 GQ cover story, explaining that he was kept isolated for more than 23 hours a day, and spent time exercising and working on a hypothetical fashion collaboration with Marine Serre. Since his return, Rocky has been working on All Smiles, the tentative title for his long-awaited fourth studio album. In 2022, he’s featured on new songs by rapper $not and electronic group Swedish House Mafia. Rocky has a number of upcoming high-profile festival slots booked, including The Smoker’s Club Fest on April 30, and shows in Italy, Switzerland, and Germany.
Rocky and Rihanna are expecting their first child together.