Rapper Rick Ross denied special treatment in court as judge tells him ‘I don’t know who you are’

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (Gray News) — Rapper Rick Ross, born William Leonard Roberts, is facing charges for an alleged domestic violence issue in August.

But the judge Ross appeared in front of Thursday did not know who he was.

Brad Horenstein, Ross’ lawyer, wanted his client’s release expedited.

“Mr. Roberts is a celebrity, and so I don’t know...” Horenstein said.

“What does that mean?” the judge responded.

“I don’t know to whatever degree your honor can, but I’d ask that that his release be expedited. He’s in a red jumpsuit and for purposes of his safety. I don’t know what your honor can do, but, I don’t know,” Horenstein said.

The judge then said hello to Ross and said he would not get special treatment.

“Hi, Mr. Roberts. I have no idea who you are, except as somebody here in the court who’s going to be treated fairly just like everybody else here,” she said.

Ross faces a felony charge of battery by strangulation, as well as a misdemeanor battery charge, according to online court records.

An attorney for Ross, 50, said in a statement that Ross is being wrongfully accused by an ex-girlfriend whose motivations are unclear.

“The ex did not even file a police report until a month after the claimed incident allegedly took place,” defense attorney Steve Sadow said in the statement. “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.”

Jail records showed that Ross was being held Thursday morning on $5,000 bail. He was later released. An arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 22.