Headliner A$AP Rocky is a no-show for today's Purple Fest at Western University

A$AP Rocky, set as the headliner for Saturday's Purplefest Party at Western University, has confirmed he won't be performing today.

The rapper's absence could limit the ability of the university-sanctioned party on campus to draw students away from the unsanctioned street party that last year drew 20,000 people to nearby Broughdale Avenue. 

A tweet sent Friday night confirmed A$AP Rocky won't be coming due to visa issues "following my Sweden incident." 

The rapper was charged with assault earlier this year after an incident in Stockholm. 

A$AP Rocky was the intended headliner for Saturday's Purplefest concert on Western campus. Purplefest was created in part as an incentive to keep students away from showing up at the now-annual illegal street party on Broughdale Avenue. Tickets are $60.

Last year's party on Broughdale drew 20,000 people to the small residential street close to campus that sent more than 50 to hospital, prompting police and city officials to say the party had become unsafe.

This year police have expanded their response, bringing in new surveillance cameras to the street. Also a task force was formed earlier this year aimed at coming up with ways to curb the street partying in Old North. It included representatives from the University, the USC, police, fire paramedics and city officials.

Fines for street partying were beefed up and the university expanded its student code of conduct, making it possible for students to be subject to punishments up to and including expulsion for illegal conduct off campus. 

In a tweet, Western's student council said the rest of the Purplefest lineup, including Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Tyga and bülow, will perform Saturday as planned. 

CBC London will be covering today's party near Broughdale Avenue. 

Follow reporter Andrew Lupton on Twitter for the latest.