US rapper Rick Ross Arrested Over Alleged Domestic Assault
US rapper Rick Ross has been arrested in Miami Beach, Florida, after a woman he was previously in a relationship with accused him of physically assaulting and choking her during an August altercation.
Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, surrendered to Miami Beach police on Thursday, October 1. He faces one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor battery charge, according to court records.
According to the arrest affidavit, the alleged incident occurred on August 28 at Ross’s Star Island residence. The woman told police that Ross confronted her over an Instagram photograph, struck her several times and allegedly restricted her breathing by grabbing and twisting the collar of her clothing. She also alleged that he pulled her by her ponytail, slammed her against a wall and struck her in the face, causing a split lip. Police said she later provided photographs of her injuries.
The woman reported the incident to police on September 29, about a month after it allegedly occurred. Public allegations by Ross’s former girlfriend, Jazzma Kendrick, about a similar incident had also emerged on social media days before his arrest, although it has not been independently established in court reporting that she is the same woman identified in the arrest affidavit.
Ross has pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations, with his attorneys describing the accusations as false and asking the public not to prejudge the case. He was released after posting $5,000 bond and was ordered to stay away from the alleged victim. His arraignment is scheduled for October 22.
