The California woman accused of spraying bullets toward Rihanna’s Beverly Hills estate has been stripped of her professional license and ordered to stay away from the singer’s entire family, court records obtained by InfluencersWiki confirm. Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, a 28-year-old speech-language pathologist, can no longer treat patients after the state licensing board deemed her a “substantial danger to public safety.”
From Therapist to Defendant: How Ortiz Landed Behind Bars
Ortiz was arrested in February after investigators say she parked a rented SUV two blocks from Rihanna’s gated compound, walked within 200 feet of the property line, and opened fire with an AR-15 style rifle. More than a dozen shell casings were recovered along the normally quiet block, and at least two rounds struck the outer wall of the mansion. Rihanna, partner A$AP Rocky, and their two young sons were inside at the time but were not injured.
Prosecutors filed 14 felony counts, including attempted murder, ten counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and three counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling. Ortiz pleaded not guilty to every charge. Her bail was set at $1.875 million—an amount prosecutors argued was justified given the “targeted nature” of the attack and her alleged internet search history, which reportedly included queries about the couple’s security routines.
License Revoked Without a Hearing
California’s Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board moved swiftly after the arrest, filing an emergency petition to suspend Ortiz’s license before a single criminal hearing. State law allows immediate action when a licensee is deemed “a clear and present threat.” The board cited the severity of the allegations, the use of a high-powered rifle, and the proximity to children.
Administrative records show Ortiz had no prior disciplinary history since earning her license in 2019. She had been employed by a Los Angeles-area school district and ran a small private practice on weekends. Parents of former child clients told local reporters they were “stunned” by the allegations, describing Ortiz as “patient and gentle.” The board’s order means she cannot practice anywhere in California, and the violation will be reported to a national database, effectively barring her from working in most other states.
Protective Order Expands to Entire Family
During a brief court appearance last week, prosecutors asked the judge to extend an earlier protective order. The new language forbids Ortiz from contacting, following, or coming within 100 yards of Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, their children, and any household staff or security contractors. Violation would add a separate felony charge and could jeopardize any future bail reduction.
Defense attorneys argued the expanded order was unnecessary because their client has no prior history of stalking. The judge disagreed, noting that Ortiz had allegedly traveled across county lines to reach the mansion and had disguised her appearance with a hooded jacket and mask. Paparazzi photos taken hours after the shooting show A$AP Rocky flanked by additional security while carrying their youngest son into a waiting SUV.
What Happens Next?
Ortiz is due back in court next month for a preliminary hearing where prosecutors must present enough evidence to convince a judge the case should proceed to trial. If convicted on all counts, she faces a potential life sentence. California’s “10-20-life” gun enhancement statute adds 25-years-to-life for any felony in which a firearm is discharged and causes great bodily injury or is fired in a drive-by manner.
Meanwhile, Rihanna has reportedly upgraded the couple’s security system to include 24-hour armed guards and a new perimeter of ballistic-rated glass. Neighbors told Variety that construction crews worked overnight for nearly a week after the incident.
Key Facts in the Case
- Weapon: AR-15 style rifle, legally purchased in 2021
- Shots fired: 14 casings recovered; two bullets struck the mansion
- Occupants at time of shooting: Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, two children, two nannies
- Ortiz’s profession: Licensed speech-language pathologist (license now suspended)
- Bail: $1.875 million; no bail reduction motions granted
- Next court date: Preliminary hearing scheduled for August 14
FAQ
Can Ortiz apply to reinstate her therapy license?
She can petition the board after the criminal case concludes, but reinstatement is rare when the underlying conduct involves violence.
Was anyone physically hurt?
No. Police say the family was on the opposite side of the estate when bullets hit the exterior wall.
Does Ortiz have prior convictions?
Court records show only minor traffic infractions before these felony charges.
Could federal charges be filed?
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting; federal prosecutors have not announced any indictments.
How is Rihanna coping?
Close friends say she is
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