Rapper Rick Ross was arrested early Thursday after voluntarily surrendering to Miami Beach police over domestic violence-related charges.
The 50-year-old rapper, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II, faces one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor count of battery.
The allegations relate to an incident at his Star Island mansion in Miami Beach in August.
According to the arrest affidavit and court records cited by Hypefresh, the alleged victim accused Ross of striking and slapping her during an argument and restricting her breathing.
Ross’s legal team has denied the allegations, describing them as “false” and “wrongful”. Ross has pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence.
During a remote arraignment before Judge Mindy Glazer, Ross’s attorney, Bradley Horenstein, reportedly requested expedited release, citing his client’s celebrity status and safety concerns while in custody.
When Horenstein explained the request, Glazer responded, “What does that mean?” She later told Ross, “Hi, Mr. Roberts. I have no idea who you are, except somebody here in the court who’s going to be treated fairly just like everybody else here.”
Court records cited by Hypefresh show that bond was set at $5,000 for the felony charge and $1,000 for the misdemeanor charge. Ross posted the combined $6,000 bond and was released the same day.
A stay-away order involving the alleged victim was also issued. Ross’s full arraignment is scheduled for October 22, 2026.
The case remains ongoing, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
