Rick Ross, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts, was facing felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor domestic violence charges.
Speaking to reporters outside the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade after his release, the 50-year-old rapper said the allegations were fabricated.
“I’m totally innocent of these fabricated allegations made against me. I repeat, I’m totally innocent of these fabricated allegations made against me,” Ross said.
Earlier in court, Ross appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer alongside his lawyer, Bradley Horenstein, who asked the judge to expedite his release, citing Ross’ celebrity status.
“Mr. Roberts is a celebrity. I don’t know to whatever degree Your Honor can, but I’d ask that his release be expedited,” Horenstein said.
Glazer responded: “I have no idea who you are, except as somebody here in the court who’s going to be treated fairly, just like everybody here.”
Ross’ lawyer entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf and maintained that the allegations were false.
The judge also ordered Ross to stay away from the alleged victim.
Police said the incident occurred on August 28 at Ross’ home on Star Island.
According to the arrest report, the alleged victim told Miami Beach police that she was in a relationship with Ross and that a dispute began over an Instagram photo in which she was tagged.
She alleged that Ross accused her of being involved with another person and slapped her when she denied it.
She further alleged that he struck her in the chest several times, leaving her unable to breathe, before grabbing her ponytail and slamming her head into the ground, causing a cut to her lip.
The woman reported the incident to Miami Beach police last week.
The allegations came days after Ross’ former girlfriend, Jazzma Kendrick, posted photos on Instagram in which she accused the rapper of physical abuse.
At a Miami Beach Police Department news conference, spokesperson Christopher Bess said the alleged incident began with a verbal dispute that turned physical.
“The charges are simple battery and battery by strangulation,” Bess said, adding that the alleged victim told police she began to lose her breath after Ross grabbed her hoodie.
Bess stressed that Ross remained innocent unless proven guilty through the judicial process.
After posting bond, Ross again denied the allegations when questioned by reporters.
Asked whether the alleged victim was making up the accusations, his lawyer responded, “Yes, she’s making it up.”
Ross then told reporters he planned to travel to Dubai and Paris before spending Sunday eating rigatoni with “heavy marinara.”
Ross is due back in court on October 22.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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