Award-winning rapper Lil Nas X has been officially charged with four felonies following a bizarre late-night incident in Los Angeles that saw him walking naked through the streets before allegedly confronting police officers.
The 26-year-old performer, whose real name is Montero Hill, appeared in court on Monday after prosecutors filed three counts of battery against a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer.
According to reports, Lil Nas X, the “Old Town Road” hitmaker was first spotted on a major street in Studio City, Los Angeles, last week, strutting in nothing but cowboy boots and white underwear.
Initial video footage, which quickly went viral, showed the flamboyant star interacting with onlookers in a playful yet unusual manner.
However, newly surfaced footage published by TMZ revealed that Lil Nas X, had eventually stripped off completely, leaving him entirely nude as he walked the streets just before dawn.
Police later confirmed that when officers approached Hill, he allegedly charged at them, leading to a physical confrontation.
A police spokesman told AFP, “There was a nude man walking in the street. Upon arrival, the suspect charged at officers.
He was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for a possible overdose before being booked for battery on a police officer.”
Court documents obtained Monday confirm the felony charges against Hill. Lil Nas X, arraignment took place at the Los Angeles Superior Court in Van Nuys, where he appeared before a judge.
If convicted, the charges could carry significant penalties, including potential jail time and probation.
Lil Nas X, case has been scheduled for further hearings, with legal analysts noting that the combination of public indecency and alleged assault on law enforcement makes the situation particularly serious.
Unsurprisingly, the incident triggered a storm of reactions online.
Clips of Lil Nas X’s nighttime walk circulated widely across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, sparking heated debates among fans and critics alike.
Some users described the incident as yet another example of the rapper’s bold, attention-grabbing antics, while others expressed concern about his mental health and well-being.
Lil Nas X, who has often challenged traditional norms of masculinity and sexuality through his fashion and music videos, has faced both acclaim and criticism for his flamboyant style.
In one of the widely shared clips, the rapper can be heard joking with a passerby, saying, “Don’t be late to the party tonight.”
In another, he asked the person filming to hand over their phone so he could throw it away, declaring, “I don’t like phones. Didn’t I tell you to put the phone down?”
Police officials disclosed that Lil Nas X, was initially taken to a hospital due to a possible overdose, although no official confirmation has been provided on the substances involved.
This detail has fueled speculation about whether substance abuse or mental distress may have contributed to his erratic behavior.
Health experts have pointed out that celebrities often face overwhelming pressure and scrutiny, which can sometimes manifest in public breakdowns or risky behavior.
Observers have urged compassion alongside accountability, stressing the importance of mental health support for public figures under intense spotlight.
Lil Nas X rose to global fame in 2019 with “Old Town Road,” a genre-bending country-rap track that broke records and made him a household name.
Since then, he has become known not only for his music but also for pushing boundaries in pop culture.
From his provocative music videos to bold red-carpet appearances, the Grammy-winning rapper has cultivated an image as a fearless and unapologetic entertainer.
This latest episode, however, risks overshadowing his artistic achievements with legal challenges.
As the case proceeds in Los Angeles courts, questions remain about the potential impact on his career.
Legal experts say the severity of the charges — particularly battery against police officers — means prosecutors are likely to pursue the case aggressively.
At the same time, public sympathy could grow if it is revealed that the incident was tied to health or substance-related struggles.
Entertainment insiders suggest that how Lil Nas X and his team address the matter in coming weeks will be crucial to managing the fallout.
For now, the rapper remains free on bail, awaiting his next court date in Van Nuys. His representatives have not issued an official statement at the time of filing this report.