Rapper Nelly released from jail after rape accusation

Seattle — Rapper Nelly was released from jail on Saturday while the police investigate an accusation by a woman who says he raped her on his tour bus.

Auburn police said they received a 911 call from the woman and they arrested Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., about 4:37 a.m. Saturday.

Nelly's attorney, Scott Rosenblum, said Saturday afternoon that the rapper was released from jail pending the investigation.

Police arrested rapper Nelly early Saturday after a woman said he raped her on his tour bus in a town outside Seattle, an accusation the Grammy winner's attorney staunchly denied.

Nelly was arrested  in his tour bus at a Walmart, Auburn police spokesman Commander Steve Stocker said.

The woman called 911 to report being sexually assaulted by Nelly on the tour bus, police said in a statement.

He will have his first appearance before a judge "at some point," Stocker said. Nelly was scheduled to perform in Ridgefield, Washington, on Saturday night.

The Hot in Herre rapper took to Twitter to saying that he is beyond shocked at the allegation and that he is a "victim of a false allegation". He went on to apologise to his loved ones and to thank his fans for their unwavering support. 

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

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