Tia Kemp says her son, William Roberts III, will not return to Bethune-Cookman University’s campus following an alleged pistol-whipping incident in Daytona Beach, Florida, earlier this month.
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During an interview with TMZ on the red carpet at the NXT Awards on Sunday, October 25, Kemp revealed that her son, whom she shares with rapper Rick Ross, is now pursuing his master’s degree online because of safety concerns following the October 11 attack.
“They were able to give him his classes online. He will not step foot back in Daytona Beach, Florida,” Kemp told TMZ.
Kemp made the remarks while hosting the second annual NXT Awards at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta.
The decision to keep William away from campus follows an alleged armed assault that resulted in the arrest of a Daytona Beach man.
According to WFTV’s reporting on the police investigation, William was standing near the intersection of McLeod Avenue and Weaver Street on October 11 when a man approached him with a firearm.
Investigators said William was talking with a woman when the suspect allegedly confronted him, pointed a gun at him, and threatened his life.
“I don’t care who your daddy is, I’ll kill you right here,” the suspect allegedly told William, according to the police report.
The man then allegedly struck William on the right side of his head with the weapon, causing minor swelling. William left the area and later identified the suspect through a police photo lineup. Authorities said the incident was not captured by city surveillance cameras.
20-year-old Don Roberts III was arrested on October 16 and charged with aggravated assault and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He was released on a $50,000 bond on October 21.
William’s mother is now considering legal action, although her attention is not primarily directed at 50 Cent, who publicly commented on the incident.
During the TMZ interview, Kemp was asked whether she intended to pursue legal action against 50 Cent. She suggested she would not and dismissed the rapper with an insult.
Instead, Kemp named Bethune-Cookman University and the city of Daytona Beach as potential targets for legal action.
“The city of Daytona, Bethune-Cookman University, yeah, we are coming,” she said.
Kemp did not specify what legal claims she might pursue or whether attorneys have begun preparing a case against either institution. Her statements reflect potential legal action, not a confirmed lawsuit or a finding of wrongdoing.
The possibility of legal action comes as tensions between Kemp and 50 Cent have continued following his social media commentary about her son’s alleged assault.
50 Cent posted about the suspect’s arrest and publicly offered to help secure his release. The rapper also suggested that attorney Drew Findling would assist with the case, although his involvement had not been independently confirmed at the time.
Kemp responded by criticizing 50 Cent for bringing William into his longstanding feud with Rick Ross.
Bethune-Cookman previously confirmed to WFTV that William had been dismissed from its football program before the 2026 season for disciplinary reasons.
For now, Kemp says her son will continue his education without returning to Daytona Beach, while the criminal case involving his alleged attacker proceeds.
Don Roberts III is scheduled to be arraigned on November 10.
