American rapper Rick Ross, whose real name is William Roberts II, was taken into custody in Miami Beach on Thursday. Authorities have charged him with battery, including one felony count of strangulation and one misdemeanor battery offense, in connection to an alleged domestic violence incident. Ross was subsequently released from jail after posting a cash bond, as indicated in online court documents.
According to reports, an unnamed woman informed local law enforcement that while residing with Ross on August 28, he accused her of infidelity and physically assaulted her. The woman alleged that Ross not only struck her multiple times but also choked her with her shirt collar and forcefully pushed her against a wall.
The incident was reported on Tuesday, following which 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, labeling the accusations as “fabricated.”
In a statement provided to CBC News, Ross’s legal team affirmed his innocence and stated that the rapper has pleaded not guilty to both charges. His attorneys, Steve Sadow and Bradley Horenstein, urged Ross’s supporters and the public to reserve judgment and allow the legal process to unfold.
Rick Ross gained prominence as a Miami-based rapper in the 2000s, achieving success with his debut single “Hustlin'” in 2006 before signing with Jay Z’s Def Jam Records. His inaugural album, “Port of Miami,” debuted at the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2008, Ross established his own label, Maybach Music Group, where he signed artists such as Meek Mill and French Montana.
An arraignment for Ross’s case is scheduled for October 22. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing intimate partner violence, please call 911 or seek assistance through crisis lines and local support services.
