Rick Ross charged with battery and strangulation after girlfriend alleges attack
Rapper Rick Ross was arrested Thursday in Miami Beach on domestic violence charges stemming from an August incident at his Star Island home. The 50-year-old faces a felony charge of battery by strangulation and a misdemeanor battery charge after a woman reported that he struck her multiple times, restricted her breathing by twisting her hoodie collar, and slammed her against a wall during an argument. Ross allegedly became enraged over a photo she was tagged in on Instagram. The woman reported the incident to police on September 29, about a month after the alleged August 28 incident. Ross pleaded not guilty and voluntarily surrendered to police Thursday morning. His attorneys deny the allegations and state the delayed police report raises questions about credibility. A judge found probable cause and set bail at five thousand dollars. An arraignment is scheduled for October 22.
Key facts
- Rick Ross, born William Leonard Roberts II, arrested October 1, 2026 in Miami Beach
- Charged with one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor count of battery
- Alleged incident occurred August 28 at his Star Island mansion
- Woman reported incident to police September 29, about one month after alleged attack
- Ross pleaded not guilty and was released on bond after court appearance
- Arraignment scheduled for October 22, 2026
- Woman alleged Ross struck her multiple times and restricted her breathing during argument over Instagram photo
- In 2017, Ross pleaded no contest to aggravated assault in unrelated 2015 incident involving alleged beating with handgun
Limits of this briefing
Search results did not reveal distinctly left-leaning or right-leaning editorial framing of this story. Most coverage came from centrist mainstream news outlets, entertainment media, and wire services reporting established facts. Perspectives from activist or advocacy organizations on domestic violence were not found in search results.
Sources
- CNN: Rapper Rick Ross arrested on domestic violence charges Centre
- ABC News: Rapper Rick Ross appears in court after arrest on domestic violence, battery charges Centre
- Rolling Stone: Rick Ross Arrested on Domestic Violence Charges in Miami Beach Centre
- CBS Miami: Rick Ross arrested after woman accuses rapper of strangling, hitting her at Miami Beach home Centre
- TMZ: Rick Ross Arrested For Battery In Miami After Ex Reports Alleged Strangulation To Cops Centre