Lil Nas X, whose legal name is Montero Hill, entered a plea of not guilty to four felony charges leveled against him during a Monday morning arraignment hearing in Van Nuys, with bail set at $75,000. The rapper's journey to this point began on Thursday morning when he was spotted wandering the streets of Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, nearly nude and visibly disoriented.
According to Los Angeles County Sheriff records, Hill was initially booked on a misdemeanor charge of obstructing an officer and spent the weekend incarcerated at the Valley Jail in Van Nuys. He now faces additional charges of battery and resisting arrest, the latter of which carries a potential sentence of up to one year in prison and a fine, both of which could escalate if an officer was harmed, elevating the offense to a felony.
Following his arrest, the artist was transported to a hospital amid suspicions of an overdose and was subsequently released before being remanded to custody. Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse on Monday, Hill's attorney, Drew Findling, confirmed that bail would be posted, anticipating his client's release later in the day.
During the arraignment, another member of Hill's defense team, Christy O'Connor, characterized the incident as "an anomaly in Hill's life," emphasizing his clean criminal record and lack of a history of violence. She challenged the police report's suggestion of drug involvement, arguing that it was premature given that test results were pending. The presiding judge ordered Hill to enroll in a drug treatment program.
"He's never been in trouble for even a moment in his life," Findling emphasized. "We're not going to let one isolated event derail his incredible journey." He added, "It's impossible to know the full picture right now, but we'll investigate and do what's right."
When asked whether the incident stemmed from substance abuse, a medical condition, or emotional distress, Findling acknowledged, "We simply don't know at this stage." He continued, "As parents, we hear about such occurrences frequently. Remember, he's just 26 years old. These things can happen, especially under the pressure of international fame."
Findling urged the public not to "judge someone based on their lowest moment." Early Thursday morning, TMZ cameras captured Hill parading down a nearly deserted Ventura Boulevard, clad only in underwear and white cowboy boots.
Throughout 2025, Lil Nas X, who released his 'Days Before Dreamboy' EP in March, has grappled with health issues. In April, he shared on social media that he had experienced partial facial paralysis. A month later, he was forced to cancel his headlining appearance at West Hollywood's Outloud pride music festival due to an ongoing medical condition. The festival's statement at the time noted, "We've been in close contact with Lil Nas X and his team regarding his health."
In a statement, the rapper emphasized, "After my recent hospital visit, I, like everyone else, must prioritize my health and recovery."
Following the arraignment, Hill's father, Robert Stafford, offered a brief update, reassuring reporters that his son was "mentally fine" post-arrest. "We shed tears and laughter, but he's in high spirits," Stafford said of his first conversation with Hill after the incident. "God is good all the time. Please keep him in your prayers."
