Rick Ross Arrested for Domestic Abuse, Battery
Published October 1, 2026 at 12:37 PM EDT
Rick Ross mugshot (Miami Dade County)
MIAMI BEACH, FL — Rapper Rick Ross, 50, was arrested in Miami Beach on Thursday, October 1, on domestic violence charges involving an alleged assault on his former girlfriend, model Jazzma Kendrick. Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, faces felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery.
According to accounts of the arrest report, the alleged attack occurred August 28 at a Star Island residence. Kendrick told police Ross repeatedly slapped her, struck her chest, grabbed her ponytail and slammed her against a wall. She also alleged he choked her using her hoodie collar until she could not breathe. Kendrick reported the incident September 29 and provided photographs documenting her alleged injuries.
The arrest followed Kendrick’s public accusations on Instagram, where she shared images of an injured lip and said she ended their relationship after the alleged abuse.
Kendrick, who previously dated white Italian soccer great Christian Vieri among others, went viral in August 2025 after appearing to turn away when Ross tried to kiss her at his RR22 launch event. Other clips fueled the same discussion.
Ross surrendered to authorities and was booked Thursday morning. His arraignment is scheduled for October 22. Defense attorney Steve Sadow denied the accusations, said Ross pleaded not guilty and questioned why the complaint was filed roughly a month later. He urged the public to allow the judicial process to proceed without prejudgment. The charges remain allegations, and Ross has not been convicted in this case.
This, however, is not the only legal trouble currently facing the "Hustlin'" rapper. Tour organizer Omega14 Incorporated recently sued Ross, his touring company and Maybach Music over two canceled concerts in Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina.
The company alleges Ross canceled at the last minute, performed in Florida instead and failed to reimburse expenses. It claims more than $261,000 in expenses and lost profits.
This civil lawsuit is separate from his domestic violence case.
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