Rapper Rick Ross has been released from custody in Miami Beach after being arrested in connection with allegations involving his former girlfriend. The rapper, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts, was booked Thursday morning on a charge related to battery by strangulation.
Ross, 50, surrendered to Miami Beach police and was later taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He appeared before a judge during a bond hearing later that morning.
Rick Ross Granted $5,000 Bond
During the hearing, Ross’ attorney Bradley Horenstein requested that the rapper’s release be expedited, citing concerns about his safety while in custody and noting that he is a public figure.
Judge Mindy Glazer, however, indicated that Ross would receive the same treatment as other defendants in the court system.
The judge eventually set bond at $5,000 and ordered Ross to stay away from the alleged victim. He was released from jail shortly afterward.
Former Girlfriend Made Abuse Allegations
The arrest follows allegations made by Ross’ former girlfriend, identified in the police report by the initials J.K.
According to the arrest report, the woman told police that she and Ross had been in a relationship for roughly a year and had been living together when the alleged incident occurred.
She reportedly told authorities that the confrontation happened on Aug. 28 after Ross became angry about her being tagged in an Instagram photo.
The woman alleged that an argument escalated and that Ross repeatedly struck her. She also accused him of choking her using the collar of her sweatshirt, allegedly making it difficult for her to breathe.
The report further alleges that she was grabbed by her hair and pushed or slammed against a wall before suffering an injury to her lip.
According to police, the woman eventually managed to get away from the residence. She later returned to collect her belongings after Ross had left.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Ross Says He Is Innocent
Following his release, Ross spoke briefly with reporters outside the correctional facility and strongly denied the accusations.
The rapper described the claims as fabricated and said he considers himself completely innocent.
Ross also denied allegations that he strangled the woman when questioned by reporters.
His legal team later issued a statement maintaining that Ross had been wrongly accused. His attorneys argued that the former girlfriend waited weeks before reporting the alleged incident and urged the public not to reach conclusions before the legal process is completed.
The defense has maintained that Ross is innocent and has asked his supporters and the public to allow the case to proceed through the courts.
Rapper Plans International Trip
Despite the legal controversy, Ross told reporters that he intended to continue with plans for an international weekend trip.
He said he expected to travel to Dubai and Paris before returning to his normal routine.
The rapper also made a lighthearted reference to food when discussing his plans, saying he expected to enjoy a bowl of rigatoni with heavy marinara on Sunday.
Rick Ross’ Miami Connection
Ross has longstanding ties to South Florida. Although he was born in Mississippi, he grew up in the Carol City area of Miami-Dade County.
The rapper has established a successful music career spanning several years, with songs including “Hustlin’” and “Aston Martin Music” among his best-known releases.
His celebrity status was also mentioned during Thursday’s court appearance, although the judge emphasized that his case would be handled through the same judicial process as any other defendant.
What Happens Next?
Ross’ release on bond does not resolve the allegations against him. The case will continue through the legal system, where prosecutors and the defense will have an opportunity to present evidence and arguments.
For now, Ross has denied wrongdoing, while the allegations described in the police report remain accusations that have not been established as facts in court.
The court’s order requiring Ross to stay away from the alleged victim remains an important condition of his release as the case moves forward.
