American rapper Rick Ross, whose real name is William Roberts II, was taken into custody in Miami Beach on Thursday following allegations of battery related to a domestic violence incident, 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 according to online court documents. He was subsequently released on bail.
Reports indicate that an unnamed woman reported to local authorities that she was living with Ross when she claims he accused her of infidelity on August 28 and physically assaulted her, including choking her with her shirt collar and slamming her against a wall. The incident was documented in a report filed on Tuesday, with Ross voluntarily surrendering himself at the police station on Thursday.
In response to the accusations, Ross took to Instagram to assert his innocence, denouncing the charges as false claims. His legal representatives have released a statement to CBC News maintaining his innocence and confirming his plea of not guilty to the charges.
Ross, a prominent rapper based in Miami since the 2000s, gained recognition with his debut single “Hustlin'” in 2006 and later signed with Def Jam Records under Jay Z’s label. His first album, “Port of Miami,” debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart. In 2008, he established his own label, Maybach Music Group, and signed artists such as Meek Mill and French Montana. An arraignment for Ross is scheduled for October 22.
For immediate assistance in cases of danger or intimate partner violence, individuals are urged to contact 911 or seek support from crisis lines and local services.