On August 21, 2025, Los Angeles woke up to surprising headlines when police arrested Grammy-winning rapper Lil Nas X after a strange incident on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. The 26-year-old performer, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, was walking in road wearing only his underwear and cowboy boots early in the morning. Witnesses reported he looked confused, didn’t seem to have any balance, and was speaking and acting strangely, which worried people who saw him.
Who is Lil Nas X?
Lil Nas X is undeniably one of the most famous names in music today, first trending in 2019 with his record-breaking single “Old Town Road”, a country-hip-hop crossover which went viral worldwide. Since then, he has won awards, including two Grammy Awards, and fought to push creative boundaries in songs like “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby.”
Outside of music, Lil Nas X has always been flashy with his public image and is willing to speak about social norms, acceptance, identity, and the struggles of fame with his audience.
What Really Happened on Ventura Boulevard
According to the reports, police were called at around 5:50 a.m. after witnesses felt the rapper was acting strangely. Video was produced showing Lil Nas X putting a traffic cone on his head and babbling, including telling people they shouldn't "be late to the party tonight."
When officers got there, Lil Nas X allegedly ran at police and was taken into custody. By the time officers took him to jail, they brought him to the hospital first to have him evaluated, because they believed he was "possibly under the influence" or potentially having an overdose.
TMZ reports that Lil Nas X was handcuffed and hospitalised after being spotted roaming LA at 4am in his underwear. https://t.co/oEr0s3ueIP
— Pop Base (@PopBase) August 21, 2025
What Police Charged Lil Nas X With After His Arrest
Following medical clearance, Lil Nas X was booked into Valley Jail in Van Nuys. The following charges were filed against him:
- Misdemeanor battery
- Obstructing a police officer
Both offenses are minor when compared to even higher level charges, but still carry consequences in terms of punishment (fines or probation) as decided by the court.
Is Lil Nas X Battling Deeper Issues?
Lil Nas X has not previously been open about dealing with public health challenges. Earlier in 2025, he shared that he had dealt with partial facial paralysis that caused him to miss a period of performing. In interviews he had also shared the last couple of years have been emotionally difficult for him, even referring to the period of his life as his creative and personal struggle.
Just a few days prior to this incident, Lil Nas X wiped his Instagram account, which fans speculated was a sign he was gearing up to promote new music. The sudden juxtaposition of a possible artistry comeback and a public breakdown has raised serious concern over what pressures he may be dealing with.
Fans Voice Worry as Music World Reacts
This news has left fans all around the world frankly shocked, and concerned as well. Almost instantly the social media platforms were filled with messages of support, with many recommending that we just refrain from making any jokes about this incident, and instead show sympathy and compassion.
People in the music industry also weighed in on how many times fame comes with severe mental health issues and other factors. The combination of the pressures of creativity, ongoing public scrutiny, as well as personal factors, can create significant mental health challenges for even the most popular stars in the industry.
Lil Nas X Hospitalized for Possible OVERDOSE after Roaming the streets of LA NEARLY NAKED
— Armon Wiggins (@ArmonWiggins) August 21, 2025
GO A HEAD BABE! Is TEARING MEE!! 🤣🤣😂🤣😂 pic.twitter.com/anaqvD0hl1
What’s Next for Lil Nas X After His Arrest?
No official word has been released by Lil Nas X or his team regarding the incident. He is still in custody, being charged with misdemeanors, and it is unknown what impact this particular episode will have on his musical career or other forthcoming projects.
For the time being, we will focus on his health and recovery and keep our fingers crossed that he gets the help and support he needs. Whether or not this becomes a turning point for him personally, or professionally, will be up to Lil Nas X and his team to figure out in the days to come.
The Story Doesn’t End Here
Lil Nas X has built a career on defying expectations based on his actual identity and changing the game of the music industry with his unapologetic creativity. Nevertheless, this is a reminder that beneath all the fame and success, he is still a young artist who is openly dealing with a great deal of personal struggle.
Time will tell if this incident was just a solitary episode or a symptom of underlying struggles that need more attention. What is clear is that millions of fans are hoping for his recovery and future artistic expansion — as a human.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): rollingstone.com
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