Rapper Rick Ross was arrested in Miami Beach early Thursday and charged in a domestic violence case, authorities said. Online court records list a felony count of battery by strangulation and a misdemeanor battery charge.
Jail records showed Ross was held Thursday morning on $5,000 bail. An arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 22. Ross’s legal name is William Roberts II.
Defense response
Attorney Steve Sadow said in a statement that Ross, 50, is “being wrongfully accused” by an ex-girlfriend and that “the ex did not even file a police report until a month after the claimed incident allegedly took place.” Sadow said, “Mr. Roberts is innocent and has pled not guilty to the charges,” and urged the public not to prejudge the case.
Career context
Ross rose to prominence with his 2006 single “Hustlin,” which the Recording Industry Association of America certified double-platinum. He later signed with Def Jam Records, then led by Jay-Z. His debut album, “Port of Miami,” was certified platinum and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, followed by chart-toppers “Trilla” (2008) and “Deeper Than Rap” (2009). He has nine Grammy nominations and founded Maybach Music Group in 2008, home to artists including Wale, Meek Mill, and French Montana. His most recent album, “Set In Stone,” was released in July.
Details above are drawn from authorities, online court and jail records, and a statement by defense attorney Steve Sadow. Reporting was adapted from Headline USA and the Associated Press.
