Trigger Warning: This article includes a discussion of alleged domestic violence, with details.
Rick Ross will no longer face a felony battery by strangulation charge in his domestic violence case. Prosecutors have dropped the charge and will instead pursue a misdemeanor battery case against the 50-year-old rapper, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II.
Prosecutors dropped Rick Ross’ felony battery charge
The Hustlin’ rapper was initially arrested on October 1 and faced felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery charges. New court documents obtained by TMZ reveal that prosecutors dismissed the charge due to insufficient evidence. Despite the dismissal, the misdemeanor charge against him remains. Ross has pleaded not guilty.
Authorities booked him at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. However, the rapper was released from the Miami-area jail on the same day of his domestic violence arrest. The court set his bond at $6,000. The rapper also took to Instagram stories and laughed off the situation while maintaining his innocence. He said, “First and foremost, I am totally innocent.” He added that his team would put the fabricated allegations to rest.
The arrest follows allegations from Ross’ ex-girlfriend, Jazzma Kendrick, who recently claimed that the rapper physically abused her. According to People, the 39-year-old model and content creator made the claims in a series of Instagram Stories she posted on September 26. She alleged that Ross injured her lip, prompting her to “leave” him. She also shared photos that appeared to show the injury.
50 Cent also addressed the accusations at the time, sharing his reaction on X. He wrote, “This punk put his hands on baby girl. He stressed that the album didn’t sell. I’d laugh at him, but domestic violence is not a joke.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
