Nelly Arrested Following Tour-Bus Rape Accusation

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Nelly, the multiplatinum St. Louis rapper, was arrested early Saturday morning in Auburn, Wash., after a woman accused the musician of raping her on his tour bus, according to local police.

The Auburn Police Department said in a statement that the alleged incident reportedly occurred in the parking lot of a local Walmart after Nelly performed with the popular country group Florida Georgia Line at the White River Amphitheater, outside of Seattle.

“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,’” police said of the musician, who was born Cornell Haynes Jr. Nelly was taken into custody at 4:37 a.m. and booked at a nearby jail; an investigation is ongoing.

Scott Rosenblum, a lawyer for the rapper, said on Saturday afternoon that Nelly was no longer in custody and had not been charged.

“Nelly is the victim of a completely fabricated allegation,” Mr. Rosenblum said in a statement. “Our initial investigation clearly establishes this allegation is devoid of credibility and is motivated by greed and vindictiveness.

“Nelly is prepared to address and pursue all legal avenues to redress any damage caused by this clearly false allegation,” he added.

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