Rick Ross pleads not guilty to felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery charges following his arrest in connection with a domestic violence incident involving his ex-girlfriend.
The Maybach Music Group (MMG) founder turned himself in to authorities on Thursday morning (Oct. 1) before making a formal court appearance. Following the hearing, the judge granted Ross release on a $5,000 bond.
Court Hearing and Judge’s Response
During the legal proceedings, defense attorney Steve Sadow highlighted Ross’s high-profile celebrity status while requesting a swift release for his client.
However, presiding Judge Mindy S. Glazer made it clear that public fame would play no role in the courtroom decisions.
“I have no idea who you are, except for somebody here in the court who’s going to be treated fairly just like everybody else here,” Judge Glazer responded directly to the rapper.
Details of the Allegations
The criminal charges stem from allegations made by Ross’s ex-girlfriend, Jazzma Kendrick, who contacted law enforcement on Tuesday (Sept. 29) regarding an alleged physical dispute that occurred on August 28.
According to police report details obtained from local coverage:
– Social Media Conflict: Kendrick claimed the confrontation began when Ross grew angry over a social media photo in which she was tagged, accusing her of being in a relationship with someone else.
– Physical Altercation: The police report notes Kendrick’s statements that Ross struck her multiple times in the chest and slammed her against a wall.
– Restricted Breathing: She further alleged that Ross restricted her breathing by twisting the collar of her hoodie during the dispute.
Kendrick initially shared details and allegations online before formally filing a report with the police.
What Happens Next for Rick Ross
As Rick Ross pleads not guilty and prepares his legal defense, the court case moves into its next procedural phase. Ross’s legal team maintains that the rapper intends to vigorously fight the charges in court, while prosecutors continue to evaluate the evidence presented in the police report.
