Nelly Speaks Out After Woman Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Him: “The Truth Will Come Out, And I Will Be Vindicated”

Just hours after news surfaced of a new sexual assault lawsuit filed against Nelly, the rapper is speaking out to denounce the claims. 

In a statement to PEOPLE, Nelly condemned the woman, who filed the lawsuit as Jane Doe, for her “baseless allegations,” and accused her of undermining “real claims of sexual abuse/ harassment by real victims.” 

“I’ve been quiet for some time,” the rapper said. “But these baseless allegations hurt more than just me. The truth will come out, and I will be vindicated.” 

In the lawsuit filed by Doe, she claimed Nelly masturbated in front of her back in 2017 after he invited her and her friends to his dressing room after his show. She said the rapper invited her to a private room, dropped his drawers and fondled himself, before getting aggressive and forcing himself on her without consent. 

Although she managed to escape, she said Nelly stopped her one last time  and threatened that he’d find her. 

In addition to the claims against Nelly, Doe also names his girlfriend, Shantel Jackson in the suit, for defamation over a statement she made on Instagram, suggesting the anonymous woman’s claims were false.