American rapper Lil Nas X pleads not guilty of alleged assault of police officer in Los Angeles

2025, August 30

United States

On August 25, 2025, US hip hop artist Montero Lamar Hill, better known by his stage name Lil Nas X, pled not guilty to assault of a police officer after four new felony charges were brought against him that day in Los Angeles County. Three of the charges were for battery, and the remaining charge was for resisting arrest.

Hill was initially arrested in Los Angeles on August 21, 2025. The incident started after police responded to reports of a man walking nude in the street on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. Upon arrival, police stated that Hill charged at the officers and allegedly struck one of them twice in the face. He was then taken into custody on suspicion of battery on a police officer. He was hospitalized briefly for a possible overdose before being booked at a county jail. He "spent the weekend in jail" before appearing in court to acknowledge the charges on Monday, according to People Magazine.

Lil Nas X was believed to have possibly been experiencing a mental health crisis or under the influence, though those details are not confirmed. Months prior to the incident, he disclosed on social media that the previous few years had been particularly "difficult" for him. He was quoted saying: "I'm just now, like arriving to this place of feeling confidence in myself and what I'm doing. And I'm trying to make sure I put intention towards my music and my vision and the creativity of it all."

Hill's bail was set at $75,000. He would be required to attend Narcotics Anonymous in the event of his release.