Rapper Rick Ross has been arrested on domestic violence charges, including felony battery by strangulation.
Ross, 50, was taken into police custody in Miami on Thursday, October 1, according to jail records viewed by Us. He is being held on a $5,000 bail after pleading not guilty to the accusations. (CBS News also reports he was also charged with misdemeanor battery.)
Ross’ ex-girlfriend allegedly called police officers days prior and claimed he physically struck her, according to TMZ.
Ross’ attorney categorically denied the accusations in a statement to Us on Thursday.
“William Roberts II, professionally known as Rick Ross, is being wrongfully accused by an ex-girlfriend whose true motivations are unclear,” the statement read. “The ex did not even file a police report until a month after the claimed incident allegedly took place. Mr. Roberts is innocent and has [pleaded] 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.”
Ross appeared virtually for a bond court hearing on Thursday, where Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer issued a stay-away order for the alleged victim, who was identified by her initials. Ross must have no contact with the victim — directly or indirectly — and must keep away from her home and workplace.
Ross’ arrest comes shortly after his ex Jazzma Kendrick claimed via social media that the musician “busted [her] lip” after an alleged altercation.
“I don’t know a lot of things, but I do know that a man that puts his hands on me is a man that never loved me and never will,” Kendrick, 39, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, September 26. “The day Rick busted my lip and the day I left.”
She continued, “It’s always good until it isn’t. If a man hits you one time, he will do it again. Don’t give him the opportunity. Value your life and leave.”
Kendrick, who claimed the alleged incident took place in August, stressed that she has since been healing.
“To everyone who reached out, sent love or just held space for me, thank you,” Kendrick wrote in an update shared via her Instagram Stories on Monday, September 28. “I felt every message, even the ones I haven’t answered yet.”
She continued, “I want you to know I’m OK. … I’ve had time to sit with it, process it and start healing. Speaking up wasn’t easy, but your support reminded me I made the right choice. If you’re going through something similar, you’re not alone, and you deserve to be safe.”
Ross and the influencer were first romantically linked in August 2025. They attended the 2026 BET Awards together in June.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
