Rick Ross released on bail after battery charges; arraignment set for 22 October

Rapper Rick Ross has been released on bail after being arrested in Miami Beach on battery charges linked to a domestic violence accusation, with an arraignment scheduled for 22 October, according to records reported by AP and NBC News.

Ross, whose legal name is William Roberts II, 50, faces a felony charge of battery by strangulation and a misdemeanour battery charge, according to online court records.

The accuser is his ex-girlfriend Jazzma Kendrick, a model and content creator, per NBC News. Kendrick alleged in court documents that the incident took place on 28 August and filed a police report on 29 September. She posted photographs of a lip injury in Instagram stories on 26 September, writing: “The day Rick busted my lip and the day I left,” and warned women against remaining in abusive relationships.

Ross’s attorney Steve Sadow has strongly denied the allegations, saying Ross was “wrongfully accused by an ex-girlfriend whose true motivations are unclear” and noting: “The ex did not even file a police report until a month after the claimed incident allegedly took place.” He added: “Mr Roberts is innocent and has pled not guilty.”

Jail records showed Ross held on $5,000 bail on Thursday morning; NBC News later reported his bond at $6,000 and confirmed his release on bail pending the 22 October arraignment. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.