LOS ANGELES — Rapper Lil Nas X has been granted entry into a mental health diversion program following charges related to an incident involving Los Angeles police officers. The program is designed to potentially dismiss the charges if specific conditions are met.
Judge Alan Schneider informed the artist, renowned for his hit “Old Town Road,” that adherence to the treatment plan and compliance with the law for a two-year period would result in the dismissal of the four felony counts against him. The court acknowledged that the incident was linked to Lil Nas X’s bipolar disorder diagnosis, labeling it an anomaly in his behavior.
The diversion program, officially termed postponement of prosecution probation, stipulates that Lil Nas X must refrain from possessing firearms or making violent threats.
Authorities reported that the 26-year-old artist was seen walking unclothed in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles in August. He allegedly charged at responding police officers, resulting in injuries to three officers. Preceding the police encounter, photos and videos showed him in the street clad only in white briefs and boots.
The musician entered a plea of not guilty to three felony charges of battery causing injury to a police officer and an additional charge of resisting an executive officer.
In a subsequent Instagram video, Lil Nas X, who was out on bail at that time, expressed, “these last four days have been terrifying” while assuring his fans of his well-being.
Speaking to Rolling Stone after the court hearing, he conveyed his gratitude, noting that the situation “could have been much worse.”
The District Attorney’s Office has not provided a comment regarding the case.
Hailing from Atlanta, Lil Nas X gained fame with his 2018 track “Old Town Road,” a crossover of country and hip-hop that enjoyed a record 19-week reign at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, earning him two Grammy Awards. His innovative approach to music, blending various styles, was evident in his debut studio album “Montero,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard album chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. His other notable tracks include “Industry Baby” and “Montero (Call Me by Your Name).”
