Has Nelly’s accuser had a change of heart?
In a letter obtained by The Blast, the woman’s lawyer, Karen Koehler, reveals that her client — who accused the rapper of sexually assaulting her on his tour bus in Washington earlier this month — contacted the Auburn Police Department and the King County Prosecutor’s Office to “put a halt on the criminal investigation” of Nelly, and that “she will not testify further in a criminal proceeding against him.”
Koehler states that the young woman, a 21-year-old college student, “never wanted notoriety” from her claims. “She never wanted a dime from that man,” she continues. “She wants to go back to school and to graduate. And this she cannot do if she remains hidden in her room, crying her heart out.”
The letter went on to allege that her client “cannot handle” the “horrible things” that have taken place since the “Air Force Ones” recording artist was accused, and “wants this to end.”
“One day, maybe our world will change and thirty women will not be needed to (eventually) speak out against a celebrity who has hurt them in order to be believed,” said Koehler. “But that day has not come.”
On Friday, Nelly’s lawyer released a statement welcoming the latest development, adding that he’s recommended that the hip hop star pursue legal action against the woman for her claims.
“We have received word via her lawyer’s website that Nelly’s accuser is no longer pursuing her false allegation. This is welcome news, even though Nelly was one hundred percent sure he would be vindicated,” Nelly’s lawyer said in a statement to People. “This is simply not enough. Her reckless accusation, once investigated thoroughly, was exposed for what it was — a fabrication. A fabrication that has caused Nelly and his family to suffer emotionally and financially. It is not enough. This type of reckless allegation is an affront to women who are real victims of sexual assault. I am suggesting that Nelly seeks a public apology. I am further suggesting that Nelly considers whatever legal options are available to him. Nelly thanks his fans for their unwavering loyalty.”
As previously reported, last weekend, Nelly was arrested after a woman accused him of sexual assault. He was later released from police custody as authorities continued their investigation.
“Our initial investigation clearly establishes this allegation is devoid of credibility and is motivated by greed and vindictiveness,” Nelly’s attorney Scott Rosenblum previously told People in a statement. “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.”
