American rapper Rick Ross was taken into custody in Miami, Florida, due to accusations of assault and physical abuse.
The rapper was arrested when Jazzma Kendrick, his ex-girlfriend, accused him of physically abusing her, reportedly choking her during a fight in August.
Ross was charged with one felony crime of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanour offence of battery after his arrest on Thursday. Online jail records indicate that both accusations are related to domestic violence.
Days after Kendrick accused the 50-year-old rapper of physical abuse on Instagram, he was arrested.
WPLG claims that the purported event happened on August 28 and was reported later.
Ross appeared via Zoom before Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer at a bond hearing on Thursday morning. The judge said she had reviewed the arrest report and found probable cause in the case.
Ross’ attorney, Bradley Horenstein, denied the allegations against his client and urged the public not to rush to judgment.
“All I can say is that the allegations are false. He’s innocent. Everything is going to come out,” Horenstein told CBS News Miami.
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“We just ask that you allow the process to play out before rushing to judgment, because the truth will come in.”
During the hearing, Horenstein noted that Ross is a celebrity and asked the court to expedite his release.
Judge Glazer subsequently set his bond at $4,000 for the battery by strangulation charge and $1,000 for the misdemeanour battery charge, bringing the total to $5,000.
The judge also issued a stay-away order barring Ross from having direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim, including through third parties, social media or other electronic means.
He was further ordered to stay away from the alleged victim’s home, workplace and school.
Ross was also ordered to surrender any firearms and concealed weapons and was prohibited from possessing firearms while the case is pending. The court further ordered him not to engage in criminal activity or use illegal drugs.
His arraignment has been scheduled for October 22.
