Nelly Cashed In His Massive Winnings Despite Casino Bust And Arrest

Nelly's recent trip to the casino became a bittersweet memory, thanks to an active warrant.

The rapper, born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., got arrested in Missouri after winning big on the slot machine. Surprisingly, he could have escaped cops if he never won the $50,000 jackpot.

Nelly's lawyer recently shed more light on his run-in with cops, revealing their plans to investigate the arresting officer for allegedly abusing his power.

According to the "Hot in Herre" hitmaker's attorney, Scott Rosenblum, Nelly collected his $50,000 jackpot before getting arrested. He won the massive sum on the slot machine at the Hollywood Casino in St. Charles.

Rosenblum noted his client's arrest was triggered by his earnings, with the arresting officer claiming they needed to run a background check before giving him the money. However, Nelly found this move odd.

He noted that he had won larger amounts at the same casino without getting a background check but agreed to the investigation. Unfortunately, the background check revealed he had an active warrant for a traffic stop issue.

This red flag, per TMZ, prompted the arresting officer to search Nelly's bags, and they allegedly found Ecstasy. However, Rosenblum noted that prosecutors haven't charged him with drug possession.

Although the active warrant on Nelly's head triggered his arrest, he seemed to blame the arresting officer for running a background check. His lawyer noted they wanted the law enforcer investigated because he searched the rapper without probable cause.

Sources familiar with the situation claimed Nelly initially believed the arrest was a joke or a prank. He was in the middle of collecting his winnings when the background check revealed the open warrant.

Nelly, per insiders, was handcuffed to a chair with one hand free to collect the remaining money. Once he had the $50,000 Winnings, cops cuffed both his wrists and escorted him out of the casino.

A year before his casino arrest, The Blast reported that Nelly had finalized a deal with HarbourView Equity Partners to sell part of his famous music catalog. The agreement covered 50% of the rapper's recorded music.

The catalog, reportedly worth $50 million, included some of Nelly's most popular songs like "Ride Wit Me" and chart-topping tracks "Dilemma" featuring Kelly Rowland and "Hot in Herre." Nelly addressed the sale in a statement, declaring:

"As artists, we put our heart and soul into each track, and there comes a time when you consider preservation of that artistry."

"My music is my legacy, which I want to last beyond me, continuing to make my existing fans happy while reaching new generations and new audiences," Nelly continued, noting his excitement to partner with Harbourview.

From 2003 to 2013, Nelly had an on-and-off-again romance with fellow singer Ashanti. However, The Blast shared that they rekindled their famous love in April 2023 when they were spotted cuddling and holding hands at a Vegas boxing match.

However, they did not confirm their reunion until September when Nelly proudly declared, "Yeah, we cool again," on the "Boss Moves with Rasheeda." He confirmed their relationship wasn't planned, echoing sentiments similar to Ashanti's.

An insider from Ashanti's team alleged that she never imagined reconciling with Nelly, adding: "They're enjoying spending time together. They don't want to rush anything." Despite the claims of taking things slow, the pair soon had a bun in the oven.

In December 2023, Nelly and Ashanti triggered pregnancy rumors at his Black and White Ball in St. Louis. They took the stage and placed their hands on the singer's stomach, seemingly implying there was a baby in there.

A video of their adorable moment went viral on social media, capturing them laughing as they repeatedly touched Ashanti's stomach. Following the event, a source confirmed the pair were expecting their first child together.

The announcement sparked positive reactions from fans, with many celebrating the couple's blessings. One sweet commenter penned: "I love Ashanti and Nelly together. I don't care what anyone says! Congratulations, and I'll bring the meatballs to the baby shower!"

Nelly and Ashanti quietly tied the knot in December 2023 amid the pregnancy news. While it is her first child, the rapper has two children from a previous relationship.