Photo Credit:Miikka Skaffari/FilmMagic
Rapper Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., was arrested early Wednesday morning at the Hollywood Casino in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The arrest took place around 4:45 a.m. during a routine identification check by the Missouri Gaming Commission. During this check, officers discovered that Nelly had an outstanding warrant for failing to obtain car insurance, dating back to 2018.
Further investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol revealed that Nelly was in possession of four ecstasy pills, leading to his arrest for drug possession. Known for his chart-topping hits like "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma," Nelly was taken to the Maryland Heights Police Department and later released.
Nelly's legal team quickly responded to the charges. His lawyer, Scott Rosenblum, stated, "Mr. Haynes was not charged with drug possession. He was arrested for no proof of insurance from 2018 on a warrant issued December 2023 that he received no notice. Mr. Haynes was targeted by an overzealous, out of line officer". Rosenblum expressed confidence that the case would not proceed, adding, "I am 100 per cent confident this case will go nowhere. And we will be asking for an inquiry into this officer’s conduct".
This incident is not Nelly's first encounter with the law. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor possession of marijuana after Tennessee Highway Patrol stopped his tour bus and found drugs on board. Despite these legal issues, Nelly has continued to enjoy a successful career in the music industry.
Recently, Nelly completed a tour across the United States as the supporting act for Janet Jackson's "Together Again" concert tour. The tour, which extended into the summer of 2024, was the highest-selling tour of Jackson's career. Nelly's last performance was on July 30 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix.
The arrest has generated a wave of reactions from fans and the public. Many have expressed their support for the rapper, while others have voiced concerns about his legal troubles. Nelly's representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment. However, the rapper's legal team remains adamant that the charges will not hold up in court.
