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Rapper Nelly released after arrest on rape accusation near Seattle
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, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., was arrested about 4:37 a.m. Saturday 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.
Nelly’s attorney, Scott Rosenblum, said Saturday afternoon that the singer was released from jail pending the investigation, and he is expected to be at the Ridgefield show.
Nelly performed at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, Washington, on Friday night. He’s on tour with Florida Georgia Line.
At 12:23 a.m. Saturday, after that show, he sent out a Tweet that said in part: “its (sic) really you against the whole world because the whole world don’t know you exist.”
Rosenblum called the rape claim a “completely fabricated allegation.”
“Our initial investigation clearly establishes this allegation is devoid of credibility and is motivated by greed and vindictiveness. I am confident, once this scurrilous accusation is thoroughly investigated, there will be no charges. Nelly is prepared to address and pursue all legal avenues to redress any damage caused by this clearly false allegation,” Rosenblum said in an email.
Nelly was arrested in Tennessee in 2015 on felony drug possession charges after a trooper smelled marijuana on his bus. Nelly later pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor drug charges: possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, the district attorney said. Nelly agreed to a pretrial diversion, which means his record was later cleared, Rosenblum said.
Nelly is a three-time Grammy winner, including for the song “Hot in Herre,” which won the best male rap solo performance award in 2002.
The song has been sampled and re-recorded by other artists and is ranked No. 21 on a Rolling Stone magazine list of top summer songs. Nelly is also known for the hits “My Place” and “Over and Over.” He appeared in the 2005 film “The Longest Yard.”
The following year he shared a Grammy for the song “Shake Ya Tailfeather” with Murphy Lee and Sean Combs.
Nelly is also a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets.
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Tyler Sebago to Host Red Carpet at 2024 South Bay Music Awards
Supermodel Tyler Sebago will take on the coveted role of red-carpet host at the 21st Annual South Bay Music Awards, at the iconic Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California, on December 1, 2024. Sebago’s will interview an impressive lineup of legendary rock artists, including members from bands like Great White, Metallica, Dokken, Quiet Riot, KISS, and Autograph, as well as a range of multi-platinum award-winning songwriters and producers.
Sebago shared his excitement about the event: “I grew up listening to these bands, studying their artform, and appreciating the subtlety in their larger-than-life persona. It’s such an honor to be asked to delve into their lives and legendary careers, and I am thrilled to be invited to such a prestigious table.”
Since its inception in 2003, the South Bay Music Awards has grown from a simple idea written on a napkin to a major event celebrating independent music. The annual awards show has become a cornerstone of the music industry, offering independent artists a vital platform to showcase their talent and gain the recognition they deserve.
The 21st edition of the South Bay Music Awards will not only commemorate more than two decades of excellence in the industry but also pay tribute to the late Jack Russell, a founding member of Great White and GRAMMY Award® winner. The tribute will honor his lasting influence on the music world, with a special performance by a tribute band featuring notable musicians such as Sean McNabb (Producer’s Choice Bass Player of the Year), Roni Lee (Producer’s Choice Female Vocalist of the Year), and Ronny North (Producer’s Choice Guitarist of the Year). Russell’s contributions have sold nearly 20 million albums throughout his career, further cementing his legacy in rock history.
This year’s event will also showcase the theme “Bringing the Beach to the Sunset Strip,” combining the relaxed, laid-back vibe of California’s beaches with the energy of the famous Sunset Strip. With tickets selling fast, both General Admission and VIP passes are available for those looking to attend what promises to be a star-studded celebration of independent music.
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