Rapper Lil Nas X was arrested early Thursday morning in Los Angeles after being seen wandering the streets nearly naked. The incident occurred around 6 a.m. on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. Police responded to reports of a man in his underwear and white cowboy boots. Upon arrival, officers encountered the artist, whose legal name is Montero Lamar Hill.
According to police, Lil Nas X allegedly charged at the officers, prompting them to take him into custody. Officers believed he may have overdosed and transported him to a hospital for treatment before returning him to police custody. He was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor obstructing an officer.
Video footage shared online shows the Grammy-nominated artist strutting down the street while singing and interacting with a person filming him. In the video, he can be heard saying, "Didn’t I tell you to put the phone down? Uh oh, someone’s gonna have to pay for that," and also mentioning a party.
Reports indicate that some force was used during the arrest, as Lil Nas X did not comply willingly. An LAPD spokesperson confirmed that a suspect was booked for battery on a peace officer, although they did not identify him. Law enforcement sources stated that he allegedly punched an officer twice in the face before being apprehended.
Lil Nas X has been a controversial figure in the music industry, known for his bold artistic choices and provocative style. His 2021 music video for "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" faced backlash from conservative groups for its imagery. He also gained attention for releasing limited-edition "Satan Shoes," which led to a lawsuit from Nike.
In April, Lil Nas X revealed he had been hospitalized due to sudden partial paralysis of his face, later reassuring fans that he was okay. He rose to fame in 2018 with his hit "Old Town Road," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a record 19 weeks. His debut album, "Montero," released in 2021, further solidified his reputation in the music industry.
As of now, Lil Nas X is being held at Valley Jail in Van Nuys. His representatives have not yet commented on the incident.