Rapper Rick Ross received significant legal relief on October 30, 2026, when Miami prosecutors dropped a felony battery charge against him in a domestic violence case. The 50-year-old artist, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, still faces two misdemeanor charges stemming from the same incident.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, prosecutors filed charges of misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor battery involving domestic violence. They dismissed the more serious felony battery count, previously described as battery by strangulation, citing insufficient evidence.
Ross had earlier entered a not-guilty plea to the original felony and misdemeanor accusations.
About the Case
The case originated from an alleged incident on August 28, 2026, at Ross’s Star Island residence in Miami Beach. An ex-girlfriend, identified in reports as Jazzma Kendrick, contacted Miami Beach police in late September. She claimed Ross had slapped and struck her, restricted her breathing by twisting the collar of her hoodie or choking her, grabbed her ponytail, and slammed her against a wall.
She also shared photos of alleged injuries, including a busted lip, on social media in the days leading up to her formal report.
Ross turned himself in to authorities around October 1, 2026. He was booked on the felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery charges, both listed as involving domestic violence. He was released the same day after posting bond reports varied between approximately $1,000 and $6,000 and a judge imposed a stay-away order as a condition of his release.
Outside the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, Ross told reporters he was “totally innocent of these fabricated allegations” made against him.
His attorney, Brad Horenstein, consistently maintained Ross’s innocence. An initial arraignment scheduled for October 22 was postponed after prosecutors requested additional time to review the evidence and decide whether to formally file charges. The matter was reset for October 30.
The decision to drop the felony charge reduces the potential severity of the case. Felony battery by strangulation carries heavier penalties under Florida law than misdemeanor battery offenses. Misdemeanor convictions can still result in fines, probation, jail time, or other consequences, and a domestic violence designation may affect future legal or personal matters.
Ross remains subject to the no-contact order with the accuser while the remaining charges proceed.
Ross, a Miami native known for hits such as “Hustlin’” and his work as a successful independent label founder and entrepreneur, has built a high-profile career spanning music, business, and media. The allegations drew public attention in the weeks following his arrest, with some associates publicly supporting him and others commenting on the situation.
Phaedra Parks, for example, previously described him in positive terms in media appearances related to the case.
Prosecutors’ determination that evidence was insufficient for the felony count does not resolve the underlying allegations or the two remaining misdemeanor charges. The case will continue through the Miami-Dade court system, where Ross is expected to face further proceedings on the reduced accusations.
Defense Attorneys Indication
Defense attorneys have indicated confidence in a favorable outcome, while police reports reflected the accuser’s account of the August events.
Domestic violence cases often involve complex evidence, including witness statements, photographs, medical records, and any available digital or physical documentation. In this instance, the timeline between the alleged August incident and the September police report, along with the photographic evidence provided by the complainant, formed part of the investigative file reviewed by prosecutors.
As of October 30, Ross is no longer facing a felony charge in connection with the matter. The two misdemeanors remain active. Court schedules, potential plea negotiations, or a trial on the remaining counts will determine the next steps.
Ross has not issued a new public statement specifically addressing the charge reduction in the immediate aftermath of the prosecutors’ filing, though he has previously denied wrongdoing and asked the public not to prejudge the situation.
The development marks a partial resolution in a high-profile case that began with a self-surrender, a brief jail stay, and ongoing legal review. Further court appearances will clarify how the misdemeanor charges are handled. For now, the elimination of the felony battery count stands as the most significant update in the proceedings.
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