American rapper Rick Ross, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II, has reportedly been arrested in Miami Beach, Florida, over allegations of domestic violence involving his girlfriend.
According to reports by NBC News, the 50-year-old rapper was arrested early Thursday morning at his Miami Beach residence on the exclusive Star Island.
Ross faces a felony charge of battery by strangulation and a misdemeanour battery charge in connection with the alleged incident, according to a statement and criminal affidavit from the Miami Beach Police Department.
Police said the woman provided detectives with a sworn statement and photographs documenting her alleged injuries. The criminal affidavit identified her as Ross’ girlfriend at the time of the incident.
According to the allegations detailed in the affidavit, the incident occurred on the morning of August 28 after Ross allegedly became enraged upon seeing his girlfriend tagged in an Instagram post with a man he believed she had misrepresented her romantic relationship with.
Ross allegedly slapped the woman across the face before striking her chest several times.
The woman further alleged that the rapper choked her to the point where she could not breathe by grabbing the collar of her hoodie and twisting it around her neck.
He was also accused of grabbing her by her ponytail and slamming her against a wall.
The allegations have resulted in serious criminal charges against the rapper as the case proceeds through the legal system.
Ross has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
