American rapper Rick Ross has been arrested in Miami Beach, Florida, over allegations stemming from a domestic violence incident involving a woman he was living with.
Ross, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II, voluntarily surrendered to Miami Beach police on Thursday, October 1, and was booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He faces one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor battery charge, according to police and court records.
The charges relate to an alleged incident at Ross’ Star Island residence on August 28. According to an arrest affidavit, the woman told police that Ross struck her several times and restricted her breathing during an argument. She later reported the incident to authorities and provided photographs of injuries, according to police records.
Ross has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty through his legal team. After his release, he said he was “totally innocent” of what he described as fabricated allegations. His attorneys have also asked the public not to prejudge the case and said the legal process should be allowed to take its course.
A Miami-Dade judge set Ross’ bond at $5,000 and ordered him to stay away from the alleged victim. He was subsequently released from custody. His arraignment is scheduled for October 22.
The arrest has attracted significant attention because of Ross’ status as one of the most recognisable figures in American hip-hop. The 50-year-old rapper rose to prominence with his 2006 debut single, Hustlin’, and later founded Maybach Music Group, a label associated with artists including Meek Mill and Wale.
Ross released his latest studio album, Set In Stone, in July 2026. He has also received nine Grammy Award nominations during a career spanning two decades.
The case remains ongoing, and the allegations against Ross have not been established as facts. Further proceedings are expected to determine the next steps in the legal process.
