On Saturday, the 42-year-old Nelly (whose real name is real name is Cornell Haynes, Jr.), was arrested on suspicion of second degree rape (meaning that force was used or the victim was incapable of consent due to being physically helpless, mentally incapacitated or developmentally disabled.) in Auburn, Washington.
The Auburn Police Department confirms that hours after his arrest the rapper was released from custody without being charged. TMZ was the first to report the incident. Auburn Police Department said in a statement, “At 3:48 a.m. a female called 911 to report that she was sexually assaulted by a male, who is known as the rapper ‘Nelly’.”
“The alleged assault was reported to occur on the tour bus that was parked at the listed location. Nelly had performed at the White River Amphitheater just hours before. After Patrol Officers investigated the incident, at 4:37 a.m. Nelly was taken into custody and booked at the SCORE jail facility.”
Upon his release, Nelly’s lawyer told TMZ, “Nelly is the victim of a completely fabricated allegation.” The lawyer added, “Our initial investigation, clearly establishes the allegation is devoid of credibility and is motivated by greed and vindictiveness. I am confident, once the scurrilous accusation is thoroughly investigated, there will be no charges. Nelly is prepared to pursue all legal avenues to redress any damage caused by this clearly false allegation.”
The rapper took to Twitter to proclaim his innocence after being released, writing, “Let me say that I am beyond shocked that I have been targeted with this false allegation. I am completely innocent. I am confident that once the facts are looked at , it will be very clear that I am the victim of a false allegation.”
https://twitter.com/Nelly_Mo/status/916788420109778944
The “Hot in Herre” singer also wrote an apology to those in his life close to him.
https://twitter.com/Nelly_Mo/status/916788989880700928
Finally the rapper tweeted, “In other words y’all know damm well I ain’t do no dumm S^*t like this..!! Love ..!!!!”
Nelly is currently on tour with Florida Georgia Line, but news outlets have released reports that the rapper will not be performing at tonight’s concert.
[Source]
