Grammy-winning artist Lil Nas X is facing serious legal trouble after being charged with four felonies stemming from a bizarre early-morning encounter with Los Angeles police.
Prosecutors say the 26-year-old musician — born Montero Lamar Hill — was spotted walking naked along Ventura Boulevard in Studio City just before 6 a.m. last Friday. According to police, when officers approached, he allegedly charged at them, leading to his arrest.
In court on Monday, Hill pleaded not guilty to three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer. These charges are far more severe than initial reports of a misdemeanor investigation — and if convicted, he could face more than 10 years in prison.
The criminal complaint offers few specifics but alleges that Hill used “force and violence” against three officers, each of whom he “reasonably should have known” was performing official duties. Police, suspecting a possible overdose, took him to a hospital before transferring him to jail, where he has remained. His bail was set at $75,000, contingent on attending drug treatment.
Defense attorney Christy O’Connor told the judge that Hill has led a “remarkable” life, winning two Grammys, and called the incident “an absolute aberration” in his personal history.
The charges were first reported by TMZ. Hill is due back in court on September 15 for a pre-trial hearing.
Lil Nas X rose to fame with his 2018 smash hit Old Town Road, which spent a record-breaking 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album Montero hit No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in 2021 and earned a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.
