Rapper Rick Ross has been arrested in Miami Beach after a woman accused him of assaulting her during an altercation at his Star Island home in August.
Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, turned himself in to police on Thursday and faces felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery charges, according to the Miami Beach Police Department.
The woman, identified in police records as Ross’ girlfriend at the time, told investigators that the incident occurred on August 28 at the home they shared.
She alleged that an argument began after Ross became upset about her being tagged in an Instagram photo. According to the police affidavit, she accused him of slapping her, striking her several times and restricting her breathing by twisting the collar of her hoodie.
She also alleged that Ross grabbed her by her ponytail and slammed her against a wall.
The woman reported the incident to police on Tuesday and provided detectives with a sworn statement and photographs that she said documented her injuries.
Ross has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His attorneys, Steve Sadow and Bradley Horenstein, have rejected the allegations and questioned the delay between the alleged incident and the report to police.
Ross’ bond was set at $5,000 on the battery by strangulation charge and $1,000 on the battery charge, according to jail records.
The rapper is known for hits including “Hustlin’,” “Aston Martin Music” and “Stay Schemin” and has received nine Grammy nominations.
