The rapper pleaded not guilty after surrendering to police in a case involving felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery.
MIAMI BEACH, FL — Rapper Rick Ross was arrested Thursday on domestic violence-related battery charges stemming from an alleged August incident at his Star Island residence, according to police and court records.
Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, faces one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor battery charge. The 50-year-old rapper voluntarily surrendered to Miami Beach police early Thursday and was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf, and his bond was set at a total of $5,000.
The charges stem from an alleged Aug. 28 incident that was reported to Miami Beach police on Sept. 29. According to an arrest affidavit described by news organizations that reviewed the document, the woman told investigators that she and Roberts had been in a relationship for about a year and were living together at the time.
The woman told police that Roberts became angry after she was tagged in a photograph on Instagram and questioned whether she had lied to him. She alleged that he struck her during an argument and later restricted her breathing by twisting the collar of a hoodie she was wearing. The affidavit also contains additional allegations that Roberts struck her and pushed her during the encounter.
Investigators said the woman provided a sworn statement and photographs that she said documented her injuries. Police also reviewed surveillance video from the residence as part of the investigation, according to reports citing the arrest affidavit. The accusations have not been proven in court.
Roberts appeared remotely in Miami-Dade bond court Thursday. A judge found probable cause to proceed with the case and imposed conditions on his release, including an order that he have no direct or indirect contact with the accuser. The judge also ordered him to stay away from locations associated with her and prohibited him from possessing firearms while the case is pending.
Roberts has denied the accusations. His defense has said he is innocent and urged the public not to prejudge the case before it moves through the court system. Roberts also told reporters after leaving jail Thursday that the allegations against him were fabricated.
The arrest marks a new legal case for one of South Florida’s best-known hip-hop artists. Roberts rose to national prominence with his 2006 single “Hustlin’” and his debut studio album, “Port of Miami,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200. He later founded Maybach Music Group and has received nine Grammy Award nominations.
Roberts has maintained close ties to South Florida throughout his career. The current case centers on an alleged incident at a residence on Star Island, a residential community in Miami Beach. Police have not publicly identified the accuser in connection with the criminal case.
Roberts was released after posting bond Thursday. His arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 22, when the case is expected to continue in Miami-Dade court. The charges remain allegations, and Roberts is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Author note: Last updated Oct. 1, 2026.