Rapper Lil Nas X has been allowed to join a mental health diversion program after he was arrested for attacking police officers while nearly naked on the streets of Los Angeles in August 2025.
During a hearing on April 6, a California judge told the Grammy-winning artist, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, that the charges could be dropped if he completes the program and obeys all laws for the next two years.
“I’m thankful. Just very thankful,” Hill told Rolling Stone after the hearing. “It could have been much worse.”
Hill was arrested late at night on Ventura Boulevard, wearing only underpants and cowboy boots. He was charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest.
He was also taken to a hospital because of concerns about a possible overdose.
Because his charges are felonies, Hill could face up to five years in prison if he does not complete the judge-ordered treatment.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges last year.
The “Old Town Road” rapper was diagnosed with bipolar disorder following the incident.
Judge Alan Schneider said during the hearing that Hill’s behavior at the time of his arrest was unusual compared to his normal conduct, Hill’s lawyer, Christy O’Connor, told BBC News.
The judge added that Hill “appears to be doing very well” and that with treatment, both Hill and society are better off.
He approved Hill’s request to enter the treatment program, his lawyer confirmed.
Diversion programs provide alternatives like mental health treatment for people in the criminal justice system who have mental illnesses.
Hill’s defense lawyer said that after his arrest, Hill spent two months in a treatment facility in Arizona. After the hearing, Hill smiled and gave journalists a thumbs-up.
Following his arrest, Hill’s father told UK newspaper The Times that his mother’s struggle with addiction, and Hill’s inability to help her, was affecting his mental health.
“For a 26-year-old to face what he’s dealing with — supporting many people, not being able to change his mother’s situation, and putting pressure on himself,” said father Robert Stafford.
