American rapper Rick Ross, whose legal name is William Roberts II, was arrested in Miami Beach on Thursday and charged with battery in connection to an alleged domestic violence incident, as confirmed by local authorities to The Associated Press. Ross is facing one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor battery charge. He was released from jail after posting a cash bond, according to online court records.
According to reports, an unidentified woman informed local detectives that while living with Ross on August 28, he accused her of infidelity and physically assaulted her. The woman claimed Ross struck her multiple times, choked her with her shirt collar, and slammed her into a wall. A report was filed on Tuesday, and Ross turned himself in at the local police station on Thursday morning.
In response to the allegations, Ross took to Instagram to assert his innocence, dismissing the accusations as “fabricated allegations.” Legal representatives for Ross reiterated his innocence in a statement to CBC News, stating that the rapper has pleaded not guilty to both charges. Ross’ defense attorneys, Steve Sadow and Bradley Horenstein, urged his friends, fans, and the public to refrain from preconceived judgments and allow the legal process to proceed.
Ross gained prominence as a Miami-based rapper in the 2000s, achieving success with his debut single “Hustlin'” in 2006 and later signing with Jay Z’s label Def Jam Records. His first album, “Port of Miami,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2008, Ross founded his own label, Maybach Music Group, where he signed artists such as Meek Mill and French Montana. An arraignment for the case is set for October 22.
If you are in immediate danger or know someone who is, please call 911. If you are impacted by family or intimate partner violence, seek assistance through crisis lines and local support services.