Renowned rapper Nelly, born Cornell Haynes II, was arrested early Wednesday morning in his hometown of St. Louis. The 49-year-old artist, best known for hits like “Air Force Ones,” was taken into custody by the Missouri Highway Patrol around 4:45 a.m., according to online records.
The arrest was due to a failure to appear on a warrant dating back to 2018, specifically for not having proof of insurance. Additionally, Nelly was allegedly found in possession of four ecstasy pills. At the time of his arrest, Nelly was wearing a black hoodie over a white shirt.
Nelly was apprehended at the Hollywood Casino in Maryland Heights, where he had recently won a jackpot. Following his arrest, he was booked at the Maryland Heights Police Department and subsequently released. Nelly’s attorney, Scott Rosenblum, has since issued a statement addressing the situation.
“Mr. Haynes was not charged with drug possession. He was arrested for ‘No Proof of Insurance’ from 2018 on a warrant issued in December 2023 that he received no notice of,” Rosenblum stated. “Mr. Haynes was targeted by an overzealous, out-of-line officer.”
Rosenblum detailed the events leading to Nelly’s arrest, explaining that after winning several jackpots at a venue where he frequently performs, an officer chose to conduct a background check on him. “The officer informed Mr. Haynes a background check was mandated when a player won over a certain amount; Mr. Haynes knew this to be untrue as he had won several jackpots for similar or greater amounts, including one just a week prior without incident or a background check,” Rosenblum continued.
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Upon discovering the old warrant for not having proof of insurance, the officer handcuffed Nelly and escorted him through the casino. “This officer then conducted a search without probable cause, where he claimed to have found alleged ‘ecstasy’ in Mr. Haynes’ personal property,” the statement read. Rosenblum emphasized that under normal circumstances, any other citizen would have been asked to address the warrant without being detained in such a manner.
Rosenblum also pointed out that Nelly regularly undergoes thorough background checks, including FBI screenings, as part of his international travel requirements. “There were no outstanding warrants,” he asserted. “I am 100% confident this case will go nowhere. We will be asking for an inquiry into this officer’s conduct.”
This arrest comes nearly two months after reports emerged that Nelly and singer Ashanti secretly married in December 2023. The couple is now expecting their first child together. The rekindling of their romance began in 2021, nearly a decade after their initial breakup.
Reflecting on their relationship, Ashanti shared with ET’s Deidre Behar, “Never in a million years did I think we would be here. Ten years ago – maybe yes – but after our breakup, I didn’t even think we’d ever have a conversation again.”
Nelly proposed to Ashanti in an intimate setting while they were watching TV in bed. “We were not dressy,” Ashanti recalled, describing her shock and joy at the proposal. “I cried. I gave him the biggest hug and kiss ever. I FaceTimed everyone I know… I was overjoyed and shocked and surprised and happy kind of like all in one.”
As the legal situation unfolds, fans and followers of Nelly and Ashanti remain hopeful for a positive resolution and continue to celebrate the couple’s joyous news.
