Online Reporter
US rapper Rick Ross has been arrested in Miami after allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend, Jazzma Kendrick.
According to XXL, Ross, whose real name is William Roberts II, turned himself in on Thursday morning and was charged with battery and battery by strangulation.
The arrest comes less than a week after Kendrick made allegations of abuse against the rapper online.
TMZ reported that Kendrick contacted police on Tuesday and alleged that Ross assaulted her during an incident on August 28.
According to the report, Kendrick told police that Ross became angry over a photograph in which she had been tagged on social media and accused her of being in another relationship.
She alleged that the rapper punched her in the chest several times, choked her and slammed her against a wall.
Ross is reportedly being held on a US$5,000 bond.
His lawyer, Steve Sadow, denied the allegations and said his client had pleaded not guilty.
“William Roberts II, professionally known as Rick Ross, is being wrongfully accused by an ex-girlfriend whose true motivations are unclear,” Sadow told TMZ.
The lawyer also pointed to the timing of the complaint, saying Kendrick did not file a police report until about a month after the alleged incident.
“Mr. Roberts is innocent and has pled not guilty to the charges,” Sadow said, urging the public not to prejudge the matter and to allow the judicial process to run its course.
XXL said it had reached out to Ross’ representatives for comment.
The arrest has also drawn a reaction from fellow rapper 50 Cent, who has a long-running public feud with Ross.
50 Cent shared Ross’ mugshot on Instagram with the caption: “LOL ARRESTED.”
