Felony battery charge dropped against rapper Rick Ross; two misdemeanors remain

Florida prosecutors have dismissed the felony battery charge against Miami‑based rapper Rick Ross, leaving two misdemeanor counts of battery and battery‑related domestic violence tied to an alleged incident at his residence on October 1. The decision was based on what authorities described as insufficient evidence to sustain the higher‑level charge.

What charges remain?

The district attorney’s office filed two misdemeanor allegations: one for simple battery and another for battery/domestic violence. Ross has entered a not‑guilty plea to both counts and is awaiting further court proceedings.

Who is representing the rapper?

Ross’s attorneys, Steve Sadow and Bradley Horenste, maintain that their client is being "wrongfully accused" by an ex‑girlfriend. They issued a statement saying, "Mr. Roberts is innocent and has pled not guilty to the charges. He respectfully requests that his friends, fans, and the general public not prejudge the situation and allow the judicial process to run its course."

What led to the arrest?

According to an arrest report, the alleged victim said she was awakened on the morning of August 28 by Ross, who was "enraged" after seeing her tagged in an Instagram photo. The report claims Ross questioned her about lying, slapped her, and repeatedly struck her in the chest. Police say he also choked her by twisting the collar of her hoodie, grabbed her ponytail and slammed her against a wall, and later pushed her to the floor before turning on a shower head in an attempt to spray her.

How did the victim escape?

The woman managed to leave the bathroom, exit the home, and later retrieve her belongings before departing the residence. She provided police with timestamped photographs of her injuries and indicated that a friend she called for help was turned away at the door. Detectives also noted the possibility of video footage related to the incident, and Ross posted an Instagram picture showing the friend arriving at the scene.

What did law enforcement say?

A spokesperson for the Miami Beach Police Department explained, "Not only were our investigators able to obtain a victim statement, but they also collected photographs of the injuries, surveillance video of the alleged incident, and they were able to establish probable cause for this arrest. It paints a picture of a very violent attack."

Ross turned himself in to Miami Beach police on October 1, was arrested, and declined to comment on the advice of counsel. The department reiterated its commitment to investigating domestic‑violence allegations seriously, regardless of the suspect’s celebrity status.

The case remains pending, with the felony charge removed but the two misdemeanors still pending trial.