Earlier this morning (Oct. 7) news broke that Nelly had been arrested following an alleged victim reporting to authorities that she had been raped by the rapper in his tour bus following a show.

While his lawyer addressed the claims with a statement earlier, assuring others that his client is “the victim of a completely fabricated allegation,” the rapper himself has broken his silence to discuss the very serious matter.

Taking to Twitter, Nelly penned a series of tweets maintaining his innocence and apologizing for “embarrassing” his fans, friends and family.

“Let me say that I am beyond shocked that I have been targeted with this false allegation,” Nelly begins. “I am completely innocent. I am confident that once the facts are looked at , it will be very clear that I am the victim of a false allegation.”

He then apologizes, adding, “I do want to apologize to my loved ones for the embarrassment and for putting myself in a situation where I could be victimized by this false and defaming allegation.”

After thanking his fans for his unwavering support, the rapper adds that he will be pursuing “every legal option to address [the] defaming claim.”

Take a look at Nelly’s response to the rape allegation made against him below.