Rick Ross arrested in Miami Beach early Thursday morning has sent shockwaves through hip-hop. The 50-year-old rapper, born William Leonard Roberts II, faces domestic violence charges. They include a felony count of battery by strangulation and a misdemeanor battery count. Jail records show he entered the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 6:10 a.m. on October 1, 2026.
It is one of the most serious legal situations of the rap star’s career. The story is still developing as authorities release more information. Here is what we know so far about the charges, the allegations behind them, and what comes next.
What We Know About the Rick Ross Arrest
The Rick Ross arrest played out quickly on Thursday morning. Just Jared reports that Ross turned himself in to police in Miami Beach. Jail records list the two charges as domestic violence offenses. Bond stands at $5,000 for the felony strangulation charge and $1,000 for the misdemeanor battery charge — $6,000 total.
Ross has pleaded not guilty to both charges. His lawyers, Steve Sadow and Bradley Horenstein, released a statement through the press insisting on his innocence.
“William Roberts II, professionally known as Rick Ross, is being wrongfully accused by an ex-girlfriend whose true motivations are unclear. The ex did not even file a police report until a month after the claimed incident allegedly took place. Mr. Roberts is innocent and has pled not guilty to the charges. He respectfully requests that his friends, fans and the general public not prejudge the situation and allow the judicial process to run its course.”
In addition, Consequence reports that Ross faces arraignment on October 22. He has also requested a jury trial.
The Allegations Behind the Charges
So what led to the arrest? First, it is important to separate confirmed facts from reports. Police have not yet released the full arrest report or affidavit. However, CBS News Miami has formally requested both documents. It asked the Miami Beach Police Department and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office.
What we know so far comes largely from TMZ. According to the outlet, an ex-girlfriend went to police over an alleged August 2026 incident. It reportedly happened at a residence on Star Island. She claims Ross woke her up in a jealous rage over a photo tagging her on social media. She then alleges he became physical. Specifically, the woman claims he struck her in the chest several times. She also alleges he choked her until she could not breathe, grabbed her ponytail, and slammed her against a wall.
She reportedly filed the police report on September 29 — about a month after the alleged incident. Because police have not made the arrest report public, these details remain allegations, not established facts. No court has convicted Ross of anything. As a result, the law presumes him innocent unless a court proves him guilty.
Rick Ross Ex-Girlfriend’s Separate Abuse Claims
Meanwhile, the Rick Ross arrested news lands just days after his former girlfriend spoke out. Jazzma Kendrick publicly accused him of physical abuse on social media. According to AllHipHop reports, Kendrick shared images on Instagram Stories that she said showed an injured lip. She alleged that Ross hit her during an incident roughly a month earlier.
“The day Rick busted my lip and the day I left,” she wrote in one post. In another, she told followers, “He saw a punching bag.” She added, “If a man hits you one time, he will do it again. Don’t give him the opportunity. Value your life and leave.”
However, authorities have not confirmed whether Kendrick’s allegations connect to Thursday’s criminal charges. Her claims also do not establish that she is the alleged victim in the case. Therefore, readers should treat the two stories as separate until officials say otherwise. Ross had not publicly responded to Kendrick’s allegations before the arrest.
A Hip-Hop Heavyweight Facing Serious Charges
For context, Ross is one of hip-hop’s most enduring figures. The Miami-area native broke through in 2006 with the smash single “Hustlin’.” Since then, he has built a two-decade career as a rapper, label boss, and entrepreneur. He founded Maybach Music Group and became a fixture of rap culture.
That is exactly why this case matters so much to fans. A felony battery by strangulation charge is a serious criminal matter in Florida. Consequently, the outcome could carry significant consequences for the rapper’s career and legacy.
What Happens Next in the Case
With an arraignment set for October 22, the legal process is only just beginning. We are watching for the release of the arrest affidavit. That document should fill in the blanks about what police say happened. We will also watch for any response from prosecutors or Ross’s legal team.
Meanwhile, if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline runs 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788.
This story is developing, and we will update this article as new, confirmed details emerge. We will keep following the Rick Ross arrested story and update this page as the case moves forward. In other celebrity news today, Netflix’s East of Eden premieres with Florence Pugh. Meanwhile, Sophia Bush’s secret wedding continues to trend. What do you think about how this case is unfolding — should judgment wait until the courts decide? Share your thoughts in the comments.