Nelly, the renowned rapper known for hits like “Hot In Herre,” has been arrested in Missouri. The incident occurred early on August 7, when Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Haynes II, was taken into custody in his hometown of St. Louis.
According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, the arrest was triggered by a warrant for failing to appear in court over a previous charge related to driving without insurance. The violation was discovered when state troopers stopped Nelly at the Hollywood Casino in St. Charles and requested to see his ID. During the interaction, Nelly was found to be in possession of four ecstasy pills, which led to additional charges.
Nelly was held at the Maryland Heights Police Department but has since been released. His attorney, Scott Rosenblum, has issued a statement contesting the charges. Rosenblum argues that the rapper was initially detained for the insurance issue from 2018, for which he allegedly never received notice. He further claims that the search which led to the discovery of the ecstasy pills was conducted without probable cause.
Rosenblum also stated that Nelly, who frequently travels internationally, is regularly checked for warrants, and this particular warrant was missed in error. He expressed confidence that the case against Nelly will be dismissed and announced plans to investigate the officer’s conduct.
This arrest comes on the heels of Nelly’s engagement to Ashanti and their recent marriage, which became public earlier this year. The couple, who rekindled their romance after a decade apart, announced they are expecting their first child together.
Nelly and Ashanti’s relationship has been a topic of public interest since their early 2000s romance, and their recent nuptials have added to their high-profile status.
