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WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced intimate partner violence or know someone affected by it.
American rapper Rick Ross was arrested in Miami Beach on Thursday and charged with battery in relation to an alleged domestic violence incident, local authorities confirmed to The Associated Press.
Ross, whose legal name is William Roberts II, is facing one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor battery charge and was released from jail on a cash bond, according to online court records.
Reports say an unidentified woman told local detectives she’d been living with Ross when on Aug. 28 she alleges he accused her of cheating on him and struck her multiple times. She also alleges Ross choked her with her shirt collar and slammed her into a wall.
A report was filed Tuesday and Ross surrendered himself at the local police station Thursday morning.
In an Instagram story posted Thursday from a car, Ross repeatedly claimed he is innocent and referred to the accusations as “fabricated allegations.”
In a statement to CBC News, legal representatives for Ross maintain his innocence and say that the rapper has pled not guilty to both 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,” his defence attorneys Steve Sadow and Bradley Horenstein wrote in an email.
Ross became a well-known Miami-based rapper in the 2000s, rising to fame with his 2006 debut single Hustlin’ and eventually singing with Jay Z’s label Def Jam Records.
His first album Port of Miami debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2008, he founded his own label Maybach Music Group, signing artists like Meek Mill and French Montana.
An arraignment for the case is scheduled for Oct. 22.
If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911. If you’re affected by family or intimate partner violence, you can look for help through crisis lines and local support services.
