Phaedra Parks is defending Rick Ross after his arrest on domestic violence charges, calling the rapper “a big teddy bear” in a new interview with TMZ.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star was stopped at LAX this week and asked about the case. Phaedra, an attorney who worked with Ross before he became a superstar, described him as a true gentleman with a big heart and pointed to his charity work and his investments in affordable housing.
She admitted Ross can be cocky but said she has never heard allegations like the ones he is facing now. She also stopped short of dismissing the woman’s claims.
Phaedra Parks is backing that support with an appearance, too. She is scheduled to speak next weekend at the first annual Rich Forever Luxury Women’s Wellness Experience, held at Ross’ Promise Land estate in Georgia.
She closed the interview on a lighter note, saying she knows “the man behind the marinara” and suggesting he dial back both the cockiness and the sauce. Ross had talked about celebrating his release with a plate of rigatoni drenched in marinara. Phaedra’s advice was linguine with clams instead.
Miami Beach police arrested the 50 year old rapper on Oct. 1 on one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor count of battery. Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, turned himself in at police headquarters.
According to the arrest affidavit, the charges stem from an Aug. 28 incident at Ross’ Star Island mansion. The woman, who police say had been dating Ross for about a year and was living with him, told investigators he became angry after she was tagged in an Instagram photo. She alleged he slapped her, struck her in the chest several times, restricted her breathing by twisting the collar of her hoodie, slammed her against a wall by her ponytail and hit her in the face, busting her lip. Police said detectives obtained her sworn statement, timestamped photos of her injuries and surveillance video from the home.
Ross has denied the allegations. In a video posted to his Instagram Stories, he said, “I’m totally innocent of the fabricated allegations made against myself.” His attorney, Bradley Horenstein, told CBS News Miami the allegations are false and asked the public not to rush to judgment.
A judge set Ross’ bond at $5,000, ordered him to have no contact with the woman and required him to surrender his firearms. With Phaedra Parks set to appear at his estate days later, Ross is scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 22.
