American rapper Rick Ross, whose real name is William Roberts II, was taken into custody in Miami Beach following allegations of domestic violence, as confirmed by local authorities to The Associated Press. Ross faces charges of one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor battery charge. He was later released on bail according to online court records.
The incident reportedly occurred when an unnamed woman living with Ross claimed that he physically assaulted her on August 28, accusing her of infidelity and striking her multiple times. She further alleged that Ross choked her with her shirt collar and slammed her against a wall. The woman filed a report on Tuesday, leading to Ross surrendering himself at the local police station on Thursday.
Ross took to Instagram, posting a story from a car, vehemently asserting his innocence and denouncing the accusations as false. His legal representatives, in a statement to CBC News, maintain his innocence and confirm that Ross has pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Ross, a prominent rapper based in Miami since the 2000s, gained fame with hits like “Hustlin'” and signed with Jay Z’s label, Def Jam Records. His debut album, “Port of Miami,” topped the Billboard 200 chart in 2006. In 2008, he established 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. Ross’s defense team has urged the public to withhold judgment and allow the legal process to unfold. If anyone is in immediate danger or affected by family or intimate partner violence, seeking help through crisis lines and local support services is recommended.