Rick Ross is publicly addressing his recent arrest and strongly denying allegations that led to criminal charges in Miami Beach.
The rapper, whose legal name is William Roberts II, was arrested Thursday, October 1, and booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He faces misdemeanor charges of domestic battery and battery by strangulation stemming from an alleged incident involving his former girlfriend, Jazzma Kendrick.
Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. (Terms and conditions).
After posting bond, Ross spoke with reporters outside the jail and made it clear that he disputes the allegations.
“I’m totally innocent of these fabricated allegations made against me,” he said. “I repeat, I’m totally innocent of these fabricated allegations made against me.”
Ross also dismissed the accusations when another reporter asked whether he believed they were fabricated.
“Of course it’s totally fabricated,” he said.
The rapper then appeared to shift his focus to his upcoming travel plans, telling reporters that he planned to leave the country shortly after his release.
“What my weekend looks like, I’ll be in Dubai tomorrow, Paris Saturday and I plan on having a bowl of rigatoni with heavy marinara Sunday,” Ross said before repeating his pasta order and thanking reporters.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE.
Ross had appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer during his court proceedings and pleaded not guilty to the charges. His attorney, Bradley Horenstein, asked that his release be expedited because of Ross’ celebrity status. Judge Glazer, however, said she did not recognize the rapper and emphasized that he would be treated the same as anyone else appearing before the court.
The allegations involve an incident that reportedly occurred in Miami Beach on August 28. According to police, Kendrick told investigators that she and Ross had a verbal argument related to an Instagram post she had been tagged in.
Kendrick alleged that Ross slapped her when she denied being in a relationship with the person connected to the post. She also accused him of hitting her in the chest, saying the alleged blows affected her breathing. She further claimed that Ross grabbed her by her ponytail, slammed her head onto the ground and caused an injury to her lip.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP AND TAKE US WITH YOU ANYWHERE!
Kendrick later shared photos of what she described as injuries on her Instagram Story and accused Ross of treating her like a “punching bag.” She said she ended the relationship after the alleged incident.
Ross’ attorneys have pushed back against the allegations, saying their client has been wrongfully accused. In a statement, Horenstein and Steve Sadow questioned Kendrick’s motivations and pointed out that she did not file a police report until about a month after the alleged incident.
Related Article: Rick Ross & Rickey Smiley: Empowering HBCUs on the One Voyage Cruise
Related Article: Rick Ross Calls Out Hermès Over $12K Sandals
“Mr. Roberts is innocent and has pled not guilty to the charges,” his attorneys said, asking the public not to prejudge the case while the legal process continues.
Ross has continued to maintain his innocence on social media as the case moves forward.
HEAD BACK TO THE RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM HOMEPAGE
