Grammy-nominated rapper Rick Ross arrested as he faces battery charges and serious domestic violence allegations- here's why a Miami Judge shut down his celebrity treatment request

Rick Ross was arrested in Miami Beach after a woman accused the rapper of hitting her and restricting her breathing during an alleged August altercation at his Star Island home. Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, turned himself in to Miami Beach police Thursday morning.

Rick Ross arrested in Miami Beach

He was arrested in connection with an alleged domestic violence incident reported at his Star Island mansion. According to Miami Beach police and the arrest affidavit, Ross faces one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor count of battery. The 50-year-old rapper faces one felony charge of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor battery charge. He has pleaded not guilty, as per a report by NBC News and CBS News.

What happened at Rick Ross’ Miami Beach home?

According to the arrest affidavit, Ross and the woman had been dating for about a year and were living together when the alleged incident happened on Aug. 28. The woman told investigators that Rick Ross woke her around 7:44 a.m. because he was angry that she had been tagged in an Instagram photo. She said he accused her of lying and slapped her in the face.

Later that morning, the woman said Ross questioned her about another person while she was in a bathroom. She told police that he hit her in the chest several times and restricted her breathing by grabbing and twisting the collar of her hoodie.

The affidavit says Ross then grabbed her by her ponytail and slammed her against a wall. She told investigators that he struck her in the face, leaving her with a busted lip.

According to the police report, Ross then pushed her to the floor, turned on the shower and tried to spray her with the shower head.

The woman eventually got out of the bathroom. She later gathered her belongings and left the home after Ross left, according to the affidavit.

Police said she provided detectives with a sworn statement and timestamped photographs of her injuries. Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from the residence.

Ross’ attorney denies the allegations

Ross voluntarily surrendered at Miami Beach Police headquarters Thursday before being taken into custody. He was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 6:10 a.m.

During a Miami-Dade bond hearing held through Zoom, Judge Mindy Glazer said she had reviewed the arrest report and found probable cause.

Ross’ attorney, Bradley Horenstein, denied the allegations and told CBS News Miami:

"All I can say is that the allegations are false. He's innocent. Everything is going to come out," Horenstein told CBS News Miami. "We just ask that you allow the process to play out before rushing to judgment, because the truth will come in."

The judge set Ross’ bond at $5,000 in total. He bonded out later Thursday morning.

Ross was also ordered to stay away from the alleged victim and have no direct or indirect contact with her, including through social media or other electronic communication. He was ordered to surrender firearms and was prohibited from possessing them while the case is pending.

His arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 22.

The judge's response to Ross' celebrity status

The rapper later appeared in bond court, where his lawyer asked for his release to be expedited because of his celebrity status.

Judge Mindy Glazer made clear that Ross would be handled like any other defendant. Police said she provided a sworn statement and timestamped photographs of her injuries. Investigators also reviewed surveillance video involving a friend who arrived to pick her up, as per a report by The Big Lead.

The judge's response to Ross' celebrity status

Ross appeared by Zoom in Miami-Dade bond court Thursday. His attorney, Bradley Horenstein, asked that his client's release be expedited because Ross is a celebrity.

Judge Mindy Glazer did not give him special treatment. She said she had reviewed the arrest report and found probable cause in the case.

Ross' bond was set at $5,000. He later bonded out.

The judge also issued a stay-away order involving the alleged victim. Ross was ordered not to contact her directly or indirectly, including through social media or other electronic means. He was also ordered to stay away from her home, workplace or school. Ross must surrender firearms and concealed weapons and is prohibited from possessing firearms while the case is pending.

Ross, 50, is known for songs including "Hustlin'," "Aston Martin Music" and "Stay Schemin." He has also founded Maybach Music Group and received nine Grammy nominations.

FAQs

What charges does Rick Ross face?

Ross faces one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor battery charge.

Did Rick Ross deny the allegations?

Yes. His attorney, Bradley Horenstein, said the allegations are false and asked the public to let the legal process play out.