Rick Ross Faces Court for Domestic Violence, Battery Charges

Rapper William Leonard Roberts, known professionally as Rick Ross, appeared in court Thursday, October 1, 2026, facing domestic violence and battery charges. Ross surrendered to Miami Beach police early Thursday morning.

The charges against Ross include felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery. The Miami Beach Police Department stated the charges stem from a domestic violence incident reported September 29, 2026. The alleged incident occurred August 28, 2026, at a Star Island residence.

During his court appearance, Ross’ attorney entered a plea of not guilty. A judge ordered Ross to stay away from the accuser, whose identity was not released, and set his bond at $5,000. Ross asserted his innocence to reporters as he left jail later Thursday, stating, “I am totally innocent of these fabricated allegations made against me.”

According to the arrest affidavit, the accuser reported being in a year-long relationship with Ross and living together. She told police Ross accused her of lying and struck her multiple times during an altercation, restricting her breathing by twisting her hoodie's collar. The accuser provided photo documentation of her injuries.

Ross, who gained fame with his 2006 album “Port of Miami,” founded Maybach Music Group and has received nine Grammy Award nominations. His attorney, Bradley Horenstein, could not be reached for comment.