Grammy-winning artist Lil Nas X (real name Montero Lamar Hill) appeared in court Monday after being charged with four felony counts stemming from an arrest earlier in the week. He pleaded not guilty and was released on $75,000 bail, with a judge imposing conditions on his release and setting his next court appearance reported variety.
On August 21, 2025, law enforcement responded to reports in Los Angeles’ Studio City of a nearly nude man walking along Ventura Boulevard in only cowboy boots and underwear. Videos surfaced showing Lil Nas X strutting down the street at dawn, adding an orange traffic cone to his head and performing erratic behaviour, which included singing a Nicki Minaj verse from Kanye West’s song “Monster.”
Police alleged that when officers arrived, the performer charged at them and punched one officer twice in the face. Authorities transported him to a hospital due to concerns of a possible drug overdose. He was later booked on a misdemeanour charge of battery on a police officer and lodged in Van Nuys Valley Jail.
On August 25, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office upgraded the charges to four felonies: three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer.
At his arraignment before Judge Sarah Ellenberg in Van Nuys, Lil Nas X entered a not-guilty plea and was granted $75,000 bail, which is substantially lower than the originally recommended $300,000. The judge also ordered him to enrol in an outpatient drug rehabilitation program or attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings. His next pretrial hearing is set for September 15, 2025.
During the hearing, Lil Nas X appeared in blue jail garb and confirmed understanding of the bail conditions. His attorney, Christy O’Connor, stated there was no evidence of drug use and characterised the incident as “an aberrant episode in an otherwise productive life.”
Speaking outside court, his father, who was identified as Robert Stafford, expressed remorse and optimism, saying his son was “very remorseful for what happened” and urging supporters to “keep him in your prayers” as he gets “the help that he needs.”
Under California law, each count of felony battery causing injury to a police officer and resisting an executive officer could potentially carry up to three years in prison, along with significant fines. If convicted on all counts, the actor may face a total of several years behind bars and multi-thousand-dollar penalties.
This development marks a dramatic and concerning moment in Lil Nas X’s life and career. Known for trailblazing queer art and chart-topping success from “Old Town Road” to “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”, he now faces serious legal and personal challenges. His court-mandated rehab and support from loved ones suggest he’s entering a critical period of accountability and recovery.
As the legal process unfolds ahead of the September 15 hearing, the world will be watching closely, for both the lasting impact on his career and the artist’s own journey toward healing and clarity.
