Rick Ross, the 48-year-old rapper and entrepreneur, is under fire for a five-figure tax debt and a separate lawsuit alleging disability discrimination at his car show.
Tax Troubles in Georgia
Court documents obtained by In Touch reveal that Ross owes $64,995.21 in back taxes to the State of Georgia for the year 2021. The original tax bill was $29,043, but accrued interest ($10,576), penalties ($19,516.80), and collection fees ($5,808) have more than doubled the amount.
The Georgia Department of Revenue filed a state tax execution against Ross in late 2024. The lien lists a Florida address tied to Ross, though he also owns property in Georgia, including his sprawling estate, “The Promise Land.”
Legal Battle Over Accessibility
In another ongoing matter, Ross is facing a lawsuit from Darris Straughter, a paraplegic man who claims the rapper’s 2024 Rick Ross Car & Bike Show failed to provide adequate wheelchair accessibility.
Darris, who was paralyzed in a 2018 shooting, alleges he was denied reasonable accommodations despite purchasing a $500 VIP pass. According to the lawsuit, the event lacked wheelchair-accessible shuttles and accommodations, leaving Darris stranded in the summer heat while non-disabled attendees were transported to the venue.
The suit further claims Darris saved money throughout the year and even sold his car to afford the trip, viewing it as a personal milestone and his first solo trip in a wheelchair. The lawsuit accuses Ross of making “broken promises” and demands unspecified damages.
Ross has responded by asking a Florida judge to dismiss the case, arguing that Darris failed to provide sufficient evidence of discrimination or harm. His legal team stated that Darris did not have a contract with Ross or his business and acknowledged that Darris had attended a prior car show without issue.
The Bigger Picture
While Ross continues to expand his brand with ventures like Wingstop franchises and real estate investments, these legal and financial challenges cast a shadow over his empire. Whether it’s resolving his tax debt or defending against allegations of inaccessibility, the rapper has some battles ahead.
Stay tuned for updates as these stories unfold.
