Grammy-winning artist Lil Nas X, born Montero Hill, is currently receiving "treatment" at an undisclosed facility in another state, following his arrest and subsequent arraignment on felony charges last month. His legal team confirmed this development during a court hearing on Monday. "The defendant is permitted to remain out of state, provided he continues his treatment," stated Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Shellie Samuels, as she adjusted the terms of Hill's release to accommodate his ongoing inpatient care. "Should Hill's treatment regimen shift to outpatient status, we will revisit the matter," she added, scheduling the next court hearing for November. The judge kept the specifics of Hill's treatment confidential.
"You heard the term 'treatment.' We're prioritizing what's best for Montero, both personally and professionally, but most crucially, for his well-being," Hill's attorney, Drew Findling, remarked after the hearing. "He's enveloped by a loving family and a dedicated team who genuinely care for and cherish him. We're tackling these challenges head-on. It's as straightforward as that. He's led a remarkable life and will continue to do so. This is merely a hurdle he'll overcome."
In August, Hill faced three felony counts of battery causing injury to a police officer and one felony count of resisting an executive officer. Prosecutors allege that Hill was "wandering naked" along Ventura Boulevard around 5:40 a.m. on August 21 when police arrived. They claim that Hill assaulted the officers attempting to apprehend him, resulting in injuries to at least three of them. If convicted as charged, Hill could face up to five years in state prison.
Hill entered a not-guilty plea at his arraignment on August 25 and was released on a $75,000 bond after spending the weekend in jail. He later addressed the incident in a social media post, reassuring fans of his safety. "Your girl is gonna be OK, y'all," Hill declared in an Instagram Story. "OK? She's gonna be all right. Shit." With a weary chuckle, he added, "That was fucking terrifying. Those last four days were absolutely horrifying. But your girl is gonna be all right."
A bystander's video capturing Hill's stroll along the main thoroughfare in Studio City surfaced on TMZ. It depicted Hill clad in underwear and cowboy boots, sauntering down the street. In one segment, he sported an orange traffic cone as a makeshift hat. Prior to the arrest, Hill had shared some unreleased music and mirror selfies on Instagram, sparking concern among followers. Initially, the Los Angeles Police transported Hill to a nearby hospital for a possible overdose evaluation. He remained there for several hours before being transferred to jail.
Hill's father, Robert Stafford, rushed to Los Angeles to support the "Old Town Road" rapper. He later shared with London's The Times that Hill had been grappling with the "pressure" he imposed on himself as an artist and the primary breadwinner for multiple dependents. "We all experience breakdowns occasionally, but the difference is, when you're a celebrity, yours are played out in the public eye," Stafford told the publication. "Hopefully, this marks a turning point in his mental stability."
