Nelly Comments on Drug Arrest: ‘I Feel the Need to Take Responsibility’

Days after being arrested for meth and marijuana possession, Nelly is speaking out about the situation.

"I feel the need to take responsibility for my choices in needing to be more aware of all the people I associate with and allow onto my property," he told TMZ, adding, "While my instinct of course, is to be accessible to my friends, fans and acquaintances, the last thing I would want to do is compromise the respect and admiration of my friends, family and fans."

As we previously reported, Nelly — born Cornell Haynes Jr. — was traveling in Putnam County, Tenn., when his bus was stopped. Authorities reportedly smelled marijuana and searched the vehicle, finding, "a plastic bag with five colored, crystal-type rocks that tested positive for methamphetamine; a 'small amount' of marijuana; approximately 100 small Ziploc bags and 'numerous' handguns, including a gold-plated 50-caliber Desert Eagle pistol,” PEOPLE reported.

The rapper was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamines — a felony — as well as misdemeanor marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

“Nelly was one of several individuals that was on a tour bus that was stopped and searched while traveling through Tennessee,” his attorney Scott Rosenblum said in a statement. “In fact, there had been 15–20 people that had access to the bus prior to the stop. Allegedly, a small quantity of contraband (MDMA aka Molly or Ecstasy) was discovered during the routine search.”

Nelly's exact involvement in the situation remains somewhat unclear, but we're glad that he's taking responsibility for the people with whom he surrounds himself.

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