Phaedra Parks is defending Rick Ross amid his recent battery arrest, describing the rapper as a big-hearted gentleman behind his larger-than-life persona — even if she has a few complaints about his attitude and pasta choices.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star spoke to TMZ at Los Angeles International Airport this week, where she came to Ross’ defense following the battery allegations against him.
Parks, who worked with Ross before he became a superstar, said the man behind the bravado is a sweetheart. She pointed to his charitable efforts and contributions to affordable housing as examples of his generosity.
Although she acknowledged that Ross can be cocky, Parks said she had never heard allegations like the ones he is currently facing. She also made clear that supporting him does not mean dismissing the claims against him.
Ross was arrested in Miami earlier this month on a battery allegation, according to TMZ. The rapper denied the allegation after his release from jail.
Parks, however, remains firmly in his corner. She is scheduled to speak at the inaugural Rich Forever Luxury Women’s Wellness Experience, set to take place next weekend at Ross’ Promise Land estate in Atlanta.
But while Parks has plenty of praise for Ross’ character, she is less enthusiastic about his culinary preferences.
Following his release from jail, Ross discussed his plans for a lavish Sunday feast featuring rigatoni covered in marinara sauce. The meal apparently left a lasting impression — and gave Parks something else to tease him about.
She joked that Ross could stand to tone down both his cockiness and his heavy-handed approach to marinara. Her alternative for the self-proclaimed Biggest Boss? Linguine with clams.
The exchange offered a lighter moment amid the legal controversy, with Parks making a distinction between the person she knows and the allegations Ross is facing.
For now, the rapper has at least one longtime supporter publicly vouching for his softer side. Whether he takes her advice on the pasta remains another question entirely.
