US rapper Rick Ross has denied allegations that he assaulted his ex-girlfriend after being arrested in Miami on domestic violence charges.
Rozay was arrested on Thursday, October 1, and booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on misdemeanor domestic battery and battery by strangulation charges linked to an alleged incident in Miami Beach.
After posting bond, Ross told reporters that the allegations were fabricated.
“I’m totally innocent of these fabricated allegations made against me,” he said.
Ross also dismissed questions about the allegations, saying he planned to travel to Dubai, Paris and enjoy a meal in the coming days.
His arrest followed allegations by his ex-girlfriend, Jazzma Kendrick, who told police that the two had a verbal dispute on August 28 over an Instagram post.
Kendrick alleged that Ross slapped her, hit her in the chest and grabbed her by the ponytail before slamming her head into the ground, leaving her with an injured lip and breathing difficulties.
She had earlier shared images of what she described as injuries from the alleged assault on Instagram, saying Ross had treated her “like a punching bag.”
Ross appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His lawyers, Bradley Horenstein and Steve Sadow, have also denied the allegations, arguing that Kendrick’s motives are unclear and pointing out that she reported the alleged incident about a month after it occurred.
They said Ross is innocent and urged the public not to prejudge the case while the judicial process continues.