US rapper Nelly accused of rape

LOS ANGELES: Grammy awardwinning rapper Nelly was arrested on Saturday after a woman accused him of raping her in his tour bus, police in the northwestern state of Washington said.

Just before 4am local time, a woman called 911 “to report that she was sexually assaulted by a male, who is known as the rapper ‘Nelly,’” police in Auburn, Washington, said.

After police investigated the incident, “at 4.37am, Nelly was taken into custody and booked”, the police statement read.

The alleged assault reportedly took place on the tour bus hours after Nelly had performed at the White River Amphitheatre just east of Auburn.

A lawyer for Nelly vehemently denied the charges.

Nelly, born Cornell Haynes Jr, “is the victim of a completely fabricated allegation,” his attorney, Scott Rosenblum, said.

“Our initial investigation establishes this allegation is devoid of credibility, and is motivated by greed and vindictiveness.

“I am confident that, after investigations, there will be no charges.”

According to TMZ, Nelly, was booked on a charge of second-degree rape.

The 42 year old has received 12 Grammy nominations and won three Grammys, including for best rap solo performance in 2003.

A native of Austin, Texas, he grew up in St Louis, Missouri.

His first three albums, released between 2000 and 2004, were all US No. 1s.