American rapper Rick Ross has been arrested in Miami following allegations by his former girlfriend that he assaulted and strangled her during an argument in August.
Ross, whose real name is William Roberts II, surrendered to police on Thursday and was taken into custody on charges of felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery, according to TMZ.
The alleged incident reportedly took place on August 28 at a home the rapper shared with the woman.
According to the woman’s account to police, a disagreement started after Ross questioned her about a photograph in which she had been tagged on social media.
She alleged that the argument later became physical, accusing the rapper of slapping her, hitting her several times and choking her until she had difficulty breathing.
She further alleged that Ross grabbed her by her ponytail and pushed her against a wall.
The woman reportedly submitted photographs to police showing injuries she said resulted from the alleged confrontation.
Prompt News reports Ross has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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His lawyers, Steve Sadow and Bradley Horenstein, rejected the allegations and maintained that their client had been “wrongfully accused.”
The lawyers also questioned the motives behind the allegations and called on the public not to reach conclusions before the case is heard in court.
The legal team said the matter should be allowed to proceed through the judicial system.
Ross is currently being held at the Miami-Dade County jail. His bond was set at $5,000 for the battery by strangulation charge and $1,000 for the battery charge.
He is expected to appear in court for arraignment on October 22.
The rapper, who is known for songs such as “Hustlin’” and founded Maybach Music Group, has not publicly addressed the allegations.
