Rapper and music mogul Rick Ross is facing serious legal trouble after being arrested in Miami Beach, Florida, on domestic violence-related charges.
The Grammy-nominated artist, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II, has strongly denied the allegations, calling them fabricated and insisting he is innocent.
The 50-year-old rapper surrendered to Miami Beach police early Thursday, October 1, 2026, and was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He faces one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor count of battery stemming from an alleged incident involving his former girlfriend.
Ross was released from jail after posting a $5,000 bond. Speaking to reporters outside the correctional facility, the rapper firmly rejected the accusations.Ross appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer on Thursday morning. During the hearing, his attorney, Bradley Horenstein, requested an expedited release, citing the rapper’s celebrity status and concerns about his safety while in custody.
The judge made it clear that Ross would receive the same treatment as any other defendant, telling him, “I have no idea who you are, except as somebody here in the court who’s going to be treated fairly, just like everybody here.”
The court found probable cause for the charges, and Ross’ attorney entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. The judge also issued a stay-away order prohibiting Ross from contacting the alleged victim.
In a statement, Ross’ legal team maintained that he was wrongfully accused and questioned the timing of the complaint, noting that the police report was filed weeks after the alleged incident.
“Mr. Roberts is innocent and has pled not guilty to the charges,” the statement read, while asking fans and the public not to rush to judgment and to allow the legal process to unfold.
Ross is scheduled to return to court on October 22. The allegations have not been proven in court, and the rapper is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
As the case moves forward, Ross’ firm denial and the allegations against him have placed the hip-hop star under renewed public scrutiny.
