Grammy-winning rapper Nelly was arrested on Saturday night after a visit to a casino in Washington state, sparking controversy and allegations of targeted policing.
The 47-year-old rapper, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., was detained by police at the Ilani Casino in Ridgefield, Washington, following an altercation with security guards. According to witnesses, Nelly was involved in a heated argument with casino staff before police were called to the scene.
In a statement released by his lawyer, Nelly claims that he was unfairly targeted by officers and that the incident was racially motivated. The statement alleges that Nelly was singled out by security and police because of his race, despite not engaging in any criminal behavior.
“Nelly maintains his innocence and believes that he was unfairly targeted by law enforcement based on his race,” the statement reads. “He was a victim of racial profiling and is exploring all legal options to address this injustice.”
Authorities have not released details about the specifics of the incident or the charges Nelly is facing. However, a spokesperson for the Washington State Patrol confirmed that the rapper was taken into custody and later released on bail.
Nelly, who rose to fame with hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Country Grammar,” has had run-ins with the law in the past. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia after a tour bus was searched in Tennessee.
The arrest at the casino has left fans and supporters of Nelly shocked and outraged, with many taking to social media to express their disbelief and support for the rapper. Some have even called for a boycott of the casino in protest of what they believe to be unfair treatment of a prominent Black artist.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Nelly and his legal team are expected to fight the charges and continue to push back against what they see as profiling and discrimination. The rapper remains defiant in his innocence and is determined to clear his name in the eyes of the law and the public.
