A whirlwind of events surrounded the St. Louis rapper this past weekend.
On the morning of October 7, Nelly was arrested for second-degree rape for an alleged incident on his tour bus. Later that day, Nelly was released from jail with no charges.
JUST IN: Official press release on #Nelly rape arrest from @AuburnWAPolice. #Q13FOX pic.twitter.com/V9oMT8GM0N
— Alexandra Lewis (@AlexLewisTV) October 7, 2017
The alleged incident took place in Auburn, Washington on Nelly’s tour bus. TMZ reports that the 21-year-old victim and her friends met Nelly at a club. They were invited to an after-party, and left with Nelly’s entourage. Nelly and the alleged victim went to his tour bus, parked near a WalMart SuperCenter. “She says she was in Nelly’s room with him when he tried to have sex with her and she said no,” according to the report.
The victim claimed Nelly wanted to have unprotected sex, which she refused. After the alleged incident, the woman claims to have been offered money by the rapper, and given $100 by a woman.
Nelly is currently on tour with country-duo Florida Georgia Line. He did not appear for the tour’s stop in Ridgefield, Washington that Saturday. Nelly went to Twitter to defend himself.
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.
— Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo) October 7, 2017
I do want to apologize to my loved ones for the embarrassment and for putting myself in a situation where I could be victimized by this false and defaming allegation.
— Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo) October 7, 2017
I also want to thank my fans for their unwavering support. They know me. I assure you I will be vindicated. And I assure you, I will pursue every legal option to address this defaming claim. Thank you
— Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo) October 7, 2017
In other words y'all know damm well I ain't do no dumm S^*t like this..!! Love ..!!!!
— Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo) October 7, 2017
To be absolutely clear. I have not been charged with a crime therefore no bail was required. I was released , pending further investigation.
— Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo) October 7, 2017
In an email sent to all media outlets, the rapper’s attorney, Scott Rosenblum, elaborated on his client’s innocence. “Nelly is the victim of a completely fabricated allegation. Our initial investigation clearly establishes this allegation is devoid of credibility and is motivated by greed and vindictiveness,” according to Rosenblum’s statement.
“I am confident, once this scurrilous accusation is thoroughly investigated, there will be no charges,” the email continued. “Nelly is prepared to address and pursue all legal avenues to redress any damage caused by this clearly false allegation.”
“It does not surprise me that she wanted to have her story publicized,” Rosenblum said of the report. “That is playbook 101 of a person with an agenda and clearly she has one. The agenda is money, fame and notoriety.”
The Auburn Police Department is still investigating the incident.
