In a shocking turn of events, Grammy-winning rapper and singer Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, was arrested and hospitalized in Los Angeles on Thursday, August 21, 2025, following an altercation with police on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. The incident, which unfolded in the early morning hours, has sparked concern among fans and raised questions about the pressures faced by the 26-year-old artist.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), officers responded to reports of a “nude man walking in the street” shortly before 6 a.m. on the 11000 block of Ventura Boulevard, near Vineland Avenue. Sources confirmed to multiple outlets, including ABC News and Variety, that the individual was Lil Nas X.
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TMZ published unverified footage showing the “Old Town Road” star walking down the mostly empty street in white underwear and cowboy boots, appearing incoherent and inviting passersby to a “party.” In one clip, he was seen placing an orange traffic cone on his head, adding to the erratic nature of the scene.
When police arrived, they allege that Lil Nas X “charged” at officers, leading to his arrest on suspicion of misdemeanor battery on a peace officer. A law enforcement source told NBC News that the rapper punched an officer in the face twice during the confrontation.
Officers suspected a possible drug overdose and transported him to a local hospital for treatment before booking him at the Valley Jail in Van Nuys. As of Thursday evening, Lil Nas X was released from the hospital but remained in custody, with his condition undisclosed. Representatives for the artist have not responded to requests for comment from multiple outlets, including Variety, CNN, and PEOPLE.
This incident follows a challenging year for Lil Nas X, who has been open about his struggles with fame and personal health. In April 2025, he shared an Instagram video from a hospital bed, revealing he had “lost control” of the right side of his face due to sudden partial facial paralysis.
While he did not disclose a diagnosis, fans speculated it could be Bell’s palsy. In the video, he maintained his signature humor, joking, “I can’t even laugh right, bro,” and reassured followers, “Guys, I am OK!! Stop being sad for me! Shake Ur ass for me instead!” He later updated fans, noting improvements in his condition, particularly in his ability to smile.
The timing of Thursday’s incident is notable, as it came just a day after Lil Nas X wiped his Instagram page and posted a series of cryptic photos and music snippets, including a collaboration with Lil Jon titled “KIMBO.” The posts, which included mirror selfies and images of rearranged furniture in his home, hinted at a new chapter in his music career, with his upcoming album Dreamboy set to be released later this year.
Some fans on platforms like Reddit’s r/popheads speculated that the incident might be part of a publicity stunt to promote new music, though others expressed genuine concern for his well-being, citing the intense pressures of the entertainment industry. One user wrote, “It’s nothing short of a miracle that he managed to survive charging police officers… I hope he gets the help he needs.”
Lil Nas X rose to global fame in 2018 with his genre-blending hit “Old Town Road,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 19 weeks and earned two Grammy Awards. Since then, he has become a cultural icon, known for his provocative artistry, unapologetic queerness, and bold marketing tactics.
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His 2021 debut album Montero and recent EP Days Before Dreamboy have solidified his place in the music industry, but he has also faced significant scrutiny, including backlash for religious imagery in his single “J Christ” earlier this year. In a February 2025 video, he opened up about the “difficult” past few years, admitting to feeling “flaky” and “all over the place.”
The incident has reignited discussions about mental health and the pressures of fame, with outlets like Faharas News emphasizing the need for better support systems for artists. Lil Nas X’s openness about his struggles, from navigating fame as an openly gay Black artist to his recent health challenges, underscores the vulnerabilities faced by public figures.
As the investigation continues and fans await updates on his condition, the entertainment community is left grappling with how to better protect its stars from the toll of celebrity life. For now, the focus remains on Lil Nas X’s recovery and the hope that he receives the support he needs. The music world watches closely as one of its brightest stars navigates this troubling chapter.