Rick Ross Has Felony Domestic Violence Charge Dropped — But Rapper Still Faces Criminal Case

The rapper is no longer facing the most serious charge stemming from his October arrest in Miami. Prosecutors say there is insufficient evidence to pursue the alleged strangulation offense, although a misdemeanor domestic violence battery charge remains pending.

Rick Ross has received a significant legal development weeks after his arrest in Florida. Prosecutors have dropped the felony battery-by-strangulation charge against the 50-year-old rapper, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, citing insufficient evidence. The decision was announced during a court proceeding in Miami on October 30, 2026. However, the case is not over: Ross still faces one misdemeanor charge of domestic violence battery and will have to defend himself against the remaining allegation in court.

The case stems from an alleged incident at Ross’ Star Island residence in Miami Beach on August 28. According to the police report, a woman who was living with the rapper told investigators that an argument began after he became upset about a photograph in which she had been tagged on Instagram. She allegedly said Ross accused her of being unfaithful before slapping her and striking her multiple times. The woman also claimed he grabbed the collar of her hoodie, restricted her breathing and slammed her against a wall, leaving her with a split lip.

Investigators said the woman provided photographs documenting her reported injuries and gave police a statement about what happened. Authorities also said they reviewed surveillance footage from the property as part of their investigation. The allegations led to an arrest warrant, and Ross surrendered to Miami Beach police on October 1. He was initially booked on one misdemeanor battery count and one felony count of battery by strangulation before being released on bond.

The decision to drop the felony charge followed prosecutors’ review of the available evidence. During the October 30 proceeding, the state attorney’s office determined that there was insufficient evidence to move forward with the strangulation allegation. Ross’ attorney, Bradley Horenstein, welcomed the decision, emphasizing that the felony accusation had been particularly serious. The remaining misdemeanor charge means prosecutors are still pursuing a criminal case, but the dropped felony count should not be confused with a dismissal of all allegations.

Ross has consistently denied wrongdoing. Following his arrest, he described the allegations as fabricated and maintained that he was innocent. His legal team has also challenged the accusations and questioned the evidence supporting the original strangulation charge. The woman involved has not been publicly identified in the reports, and the claims against Ross have not been established in court. He has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

For now, the development represents a partial legal victory for the Grammy-nominated artist, but it does not bring the case to an end. Prosecutors will continue with the remaining misdemeanor battery charge, and the court process will determine how the allegations are resolved. The central question is no longer whether Ross will face the original felony strangulation count — that charge has been dropped — but whether prosecutors can prove the remaining allegation beyond a reasonable doubt.

Source: PEOPLE