American rapper Rick Ross has been arrested in Miami, Florida, over allegations of physical abuse and assault.
The arrest came after the rapper’s ex-girlfriend, Jazzma Kendrick, accused him of physically abusing her, including allegedly choking her during an August dispute.
Ross was arrested on Thursday and charged with one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor count of battery. Both charges are classified as domestic violence-related, according to online jail records.
The 50-year-old rapper’s arrest came days after Kendrick took to Instagram to accuse him of physical abuse.
According to WPLG, the alleged incident occurred 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.
“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 misdemeanor 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 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.