David Ochayi
(Rapper Rick Ross. Photo by X/Instablog)
Rapper Rick Ross has been released on bail following his arrest in Miami Beach over alleged domestic battery, charges he vehemently disputes.
The iconic hip-hop artist, legally known as William Leonard Roberts, addressed the media outside Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center late Thursday, maintaining his innocence.
He dismissed the accusations as entirely baseless, calling them a malicious fabrication.
Ross faces serious charges, including felony battery by strangulation and a misdemeanor domestic violence count.
Earlier in court, his attorney, Bradley Horenstein, requested expedited processing due to Ross’s high-profile status and his protective red jumpsuit—a plea swiftly denied by Judge Mindy Glazer, who emphasized equal treatment under the law.
Despite Ross’s plea of innocence, Judge Glazer upheld probable cause for the charges and issued a restraining order barring contact with the alleged victim.
Prosecutors confirm a not-guilty plea was formally recorded.
Court documents indicate the incident allegedly unfolded on August 28 at his Star Island estate, following a dispute sparked by an Instagram post.
The accuser, Jazzma Kendrick, shared photos of purported injuries online before filing an official police report earlier this week.
Her affidavit describes escalating aggression—slapping, chest strikes restricting her breathing, and hair-pulling that reportedly left her with a split lip.
Miami Beach Police spokesperson Christopher Bess confirmed investigators are examining potential video evidence while stressing Ross’s presumption of innocence.
When pressed on whether the allegations were fabricated, Horenstein asserted they were, branding them outright falsehoods.
Unfazed, Ross teased upcoming international travel plans—Dubai, Paris—plus a humorous nod to Sunday dinner plans featuring rigatoni, before departing in signature luxury.
The chart-topping “Hustlin'” architect and Maybach Music Group founder remains one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
