![Nelly Responds to Sexual Assault Claims: ‘I Am the Victim of a False Allegation’](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2017/10/nelly.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Nelly Responds to Sexual Assault Claims: ‘I Am the Victim of a False Allegation’
After being arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a female, 42 year-old rapper Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., spoke out against the claims on Twitter last night (Oct. 7).
In a Twitter thread making his statement, Haynes Jr. claims his innocence and apologizes for the incident.
"Let me say that I am beyond shocked that I have been targeted with this false allegation. I am completely innocent," Nelly tweeted. "I am confident that once the facts are looked at, it will be very clear that I am the victim of a false allegation."
"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," he continued. "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."
In addition, Nelly closed out his thread with a statement saying he was "not charged with a crime. Therefore, no bail was required" and was released with further investigation.
More From Q92
![Nelly Bringing ‘Heartland’ to ‘CMT Crossroads’ With Guests Kane Brown, Florida Georgia Line + More](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2021/08/attachment-Nelly.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Watch Jimmy Fallon and Tariq Trotter’s Goofy Olympics Parody of Florida Georgia Line + Nelly’s ‘Lil Bit’](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2021/07/attachment-JimmyFallon.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![52 Hip-Hop Albums Turning 15 in 2020](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2020/02/50-Cent-Lil-Kim-Lil-Wayne21.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![25 Celebrities Who Got Caught Telling Big Lies](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2020/01/GettyImages-929954024.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Nelly Stops Show After Fan Unties His Shoe: Watch](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2018/11/Nelly.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Nelly Settles Lawsuit With Woman Who Accused Him of Rape](http://townsquare.media/site/812/files/2017/10/Nelly-Rape-Allegations.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Literally Just 34 Celebs Giving Photogs the Middle Finger (PHOTOS)](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2018/06/Featured1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![15-Year Flashback: Here’s What The Grammys Looked Like in 2003](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2018/01/2003-grammys-missy-elliot-pink.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Taylor Swift Joins Nelly for Karaoke-Ish ‘Dilemma’ Rendition](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2016/08/Taylor-Swift-Nelly-Dilemma.jpg?w=980&q=75)