Face of Nation : Western University’s student body will have to wait another week to learn more about the future of its Purple Fest headliner A$AP Rocky. That’s when judges are set to announce a verdict in an assault case against the American rapper, who could face up to two years in prison.
Shortly after he was booked to perform, A$AP and two others were accused of beating a 19-year-old man in an incident that happened on June 30 in Sweden. The rapper pleaded not guilty, saying he acted in self-defence. He was freed from detention and will return to Sweden for the August 14 verdict.
Student officials are tight-lipped about how this could impact the on-campus music party dubbed “Canada’s biggest university festival.” It’s organized in collaboration with PremierLife, an online lifestyle magazine. Student officials refused to discuss details about contingency plans “due to ongoing judicial proceedings.”
“We can say that the USC and Western continue to closely monitor the trial in Sweden,” officials said in an emailed statement. “We are in constant communication with A$AP’s agency and we will provide an update after the verdict is rendered on August 14.” The USC has budgeted about $10,000 for the event, which is mainly funded through ticket sales and sponsorships.
