American rapper Rick Ross, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II, has been arrested in Miami Beach, Florida, over allegations of domestic violence involving a woman identified in reports as his former girlfriend, Jazzma Kendrick.

Ross surrendered to authorities on Thursday, October 1, and was booked on one felony charge of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanour charge of battery, according to court records.

Alleged Incident Reported in August

According to an arrest affidavit cited by US media, the alleged incident occurred on August 28 at Ross’s residence on Star Island in Miami.

The woman told police that she and Ross had been in a relationship for about a year and were living together at the time.

She alleged that an argument escalated into physical violence, during which Ross allegedly struck her and restricted her breathing. She also reported sustaining an injury to her lip.

The woman reported the incident to police on September 29, about a month after the alleged incident.

Ex-Girlfriend Had Earlier Made Public Allegations

Days before Ross’s arrest, Kendrick publicly accused the rapper of physical abuse in a series of Instagram posts.

On September 26, she shared photographs showing an injury to her lip and alleged that Ross had injured her during their relationship.

She also used the posts to encourage women experiencing domestic abuse to leave unsafe relationships.

It has been reported that the allegations Kendrick made publicly correspond with details contained in the police affidavit, although authorities have not publicly confirmed every detail of her social-media claims.

Ross Pleads Not Guilty

Ross has denied the allegations through his legal team and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His lawyers, Steve Sadow and Bradley Horenstein, described the accusations as wrongful and questioned the circumstances surrounding the delayed police report.

They urged the public not to prejudge the case while the judicial process continues.

Court Sets Arraignment Date

Following his arrest, Ross was released after posting bond. A judge also imposed conditions requiring him to stay away from the alleged victim.

His arraignment is scheduled for October 22, 2026, when proceedings on the charges are expected to continue.

The charges remain allegations, and Ross has not been convicted of the offences.