Rapper Rick Ross, whose legal name is William Roberts II, was arrested early Thursday in Miami Beach and charged with battery related to a domestic violence accusation. Authorities reported that Roberts faces a felony charge of battery by strangulation, as well as a misdemeanor battery charge.
An attorney for Ross, 50, stated that the rapper is being wrongfully accused by an ex-girlfriend with unclear motivations. "The ex did not even file a police report until a month after the claimed incident allegedly took place," said defense attorney Steve Sadow. "Mr. Roberts is innocent and has pled not guilty to the charges. He respectfully requests that his friends, fans and the general public not prejudge the situation and allow the judicial process to run its course."
Jail records indicated that Ross was being held Thursday morning on $5,000 bail. An arraignment is scheduled for October 22.
According to news reports, Ross pleaded no contest in 2017 to kidnapping and assault charges. He was sentenced to probation after he and his bodyguard were accused of holding two groundskeepers against their will at Ross' suburban Atlanta home. Ross was also accused of beating one of the men with a pistol, which allegedly resulted in chipped teeth and a mangled jaw.
Ross is a longtime South Florida resident who gained prominence in 2006 with his debut single "Hustlin'."
If you or someone you know needs help, in the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.