Rapper Nelly will not face rape charges, prosecutors have dropped the case
Prosecutors in Washington state have dropped the rape case against the rapper known as Nelly, ABC News has confirmed.
The 43-year-old, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., was arrested in October for allegedly raping a woman in his tour bus during a stop in Auburn, Washington, according to the Auburn Police Department.
The rapper has maintained his innocence.
Earlier today, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said in a statement that it was no longer pursuing the case after the alleged victim told investigators she would not assist in the investigation or testify in court.
"Police responded to and investigated a sexual assault allegation involving Mr. Haynes. However, within days of her initial report to police, the complainant, through her attorney, informed investigators from the Auburn police department that she did not wish to assist in prosecution or the investigation of Mr. Haynes," a statement from the Attorney's Office read.
"While we have reviewed the existing investigative material, without the assistance of the complainant, this office is unable to proceed or fully assess the merits of the case," the statement concluded.
Rapper Nelly arrested for allegedly raping a woman in his tour bus
The unidentified woman first called 911 at 3:48 a.m. PT on Oct. 7 to report that she was allegedly sexually assaulted by the "Hot in Herre" rapper on his tour bus, which was parked outside of a Walmart in Auburn, Washington, according to the Auburn Police Department.
Nelly had performed at the nearby White River Amphitheater just hours before, police said.
The Grammy winner was released from jail without being charged. Later, he tweeted, "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."
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
His attorney Scott Rosenblum said in a statement obtained by ABC News that Nelly "is the victim of a completely fabricated allegation."
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