Rap mogul Rick Ross has broken his silence following his arrest in Miami on domestic violence-related battery charges, firmly declaring that he is entirely innocent of the allegations.
The artist, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Miami Beach early Thursday morning. Online court records show that the 50-year-old music star faces one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor battery charge. Following his booking at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, Ross was released on a $5,000 bond. An arraignment is scheduled for October 22.
Legal Team Responds to Accusations
In court, Ross’ defense team entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Attorneys Steve Sadow and Bradley Horenstein issued a joint statement challenging the timeline and validity of the claims made against the Maybach Music Group founder.
“William Roberts II, professionally known as Rick Ross, is being wrongfully accused by an ex-girlfriend whose true motivations are unclear. The ex did not even file a police report until Sept. 29, a month after the claimed incident allegedly took place on Aug. 28. Mr. Roberts is innocent and has pled not guilty to the charges,” the defense team stated.
According to police reports, the accusations stem from an incident allegedly occurring at a residence on Star Island in Miami Beach. The accuser told law enforcement that Ross struck her multiple times and restricted her breathing during an argument. Police noted that the victim provided photographic evidence of her injuries.
Rick Ross Addresses Fans Directly
Shortly after leaving custody, Ross took to social media to address the public directly and push back against the accusations. In a video shared online, the Grammy-nominated rapper maintained an upbeat demeanor while addressing the situation.
“First and foremost, I am totally innocent of the fabricated allegations made against myself,” Ross said, expressing full confidence that his legal team will see the matter resolved favorably.
Despite the unfolding legal challenges, Ross quickly pivoted his focus back to his career and upcoming business ventures. He informed fans of his travel plans to Dubai and Paris, plugged his latest single “Do It One Time” from his album Set In Stone, and enthusiastically teased future studio sessions before looking forward to a home-cooked meal.
Background and Prior Legal History
Rising to mainstream prominence with his 2006 debut studio album Port of Miami and his hit single “Hustlin’,” Ross has built a massive footprint in the hip-hop industry, earning nine Grammy Award nominations and launching successful entrepreneurial ventures.
Public scrutiny surrounding the current case follows separate social media posts from his ex-girlfriend, Jazzma Kendrick, who recently shared images on her Instagram Story addressing physical abuse, though authorities have not officially linked her specific statements to the active police investigation.
Legal observers note that Ross previously faced legal scrutiny in 2017, when he pleaded no contest to kidnapping and assault charges stemming from a 2015 incident at his suburban Atlanta estate, resulting in a sentence of probation.
As the judicial process moves forward, Ross’ legal representatives have requested that fans and the general public refrain from rushing to judgment while the truth comes to light.
