MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Rapper Rick Ross bonded out jail following his arrest in Miami Beach on charges of domestic battery that he denied.
7News cameras captured the 50-year-old rapper speaking with reporters outside the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade, early Thursday afternoon.
“I’m totally innocent of these fabricated allegations made against me. I repeat, I’m totally innocent of these fabricated allegations made against me.”
The rapper, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts, is facing felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor domestic violence charges.
Thursday morning, Ross appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer alongside his attorney, Bradley Horenstein. His attorney appeared to ask for special treatment and a speedy release from the judge.
“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. “He’s in a red jumpsuit for purposes of his safety. I don’t know what Your Honor can do.”
But Glazer wasn’t having it.
“Hi Mr. Roberts. 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,” Glazer said.
The judge found probable cause for the charges and ordered that Ross stay away from the victim.
Ross’ attorney submitted a plea of not guilty on his behalf.
“All I can say is that the allegations are false. He is innocent,” Horenstein said.
Police said the incident happened on Aug. 28. Sources said it took place at the rapper’s home on Star Island.
The alleged victim, his former girlfriend Jazzma Kendrick, posted photos of her injuries on social media and went to the police on Tuesday to report the alleged crime.
According to the arrest report, Kendrick said she and Ross were in a relationship. She told police the rapper became enraged over an Instagram photo she was tagged in and accused her of being in a relationship with another person. She said he proceeded to slap her in the face every time she denied any wrongdoing. She told officers he hit her and struck her in the chest several times, to the point she could not breathe. At one point, she told police he grabbed her ponytail and slammed her head into the ground, causing her to bust her lip.
The social media post shows Kendrick’s injured lip with the caption: “The day Rick busted my lip and the day I left.”
The Miami-based rapper rose to fame in 2006 with his hit song “Hustlin” and is credited with bringing Miami back into the rap spotlight and pioneering luxury rap music.
He is also known for launching the careers of several rappers through his record label, Maybach Music Group.
MBPD held a news conference regarding Ross’ arrest Thursday morning.
“According to the victim, there was a verbal dispute, which unfortunately escalated to that of a physical one. The charges are simple battery and battery by strangulation. The victim was wearing a hoodie, at which point in time, the offender grabbed that hoodie, and according to the victim, she began to lose her breath at that time,” said Miami Beach Police spokesperson Christopher Bess. “So the allegation is verbal dispute surrounding a social media post, which unfortunately escalated to a physical one. As with anyone, it has to go through the judicial process, and he is innocent until proven guilty.”
Additionally, detectives said they were made aware of possible video footage related to the incident.
After Ross posted his bond, he faced journalists’ questions.
“Now, I have an amazing team, such an amazing team. You’re looking at one of my attorneys,” said Ross.
“Is [the victim] making it up?” a journalist asked.
“Yes, she’s making it up,” his attorney replied. “They’re not true.”
“Of course it’s totally fabricated, my brother,” said Ross. “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. I repeat, rigatoni, heavy marinara. Thank you all for your time. Enjoy your day.”
Moments later, Ross got into a Rolls-Royce and left.
Hours after he bonded out of jail, Horenstein released a statement that read:
“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.”
He is due back in court on Oct. 22.
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