Lil Nas X Sends Emotional Message to Fans After Court Appearance

Lil Nas X wants fans to know he is thinking about them and appreciates their support.

The rapper sent an emotional message to supporters on Thursday, March 12, after a hearing at the Van Nuys Courthouse in Los Angeles for his LAPD battery case.

“To my fans, I really love and I miss you, and I appreciate your support so much,” he said. “I can’t wait to be back hugging you guys.”

The Grammy-winning artist, born Montero Hill, appeared in court for a preliminary hearing following his August arrest after walking down an L.A. street wearing nothing but underwear and cowboy boots.

LAPD officers alleged he resisted arrest and the “Industry Baby” artist was charged with four felonies — three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer.

He pleaded not guilty on Aug. 25. At the time, defense attorney Christy O’Connor told the judge there was no evidence drugs were involved in the incident that led to her client’s arrest.

Related: Lil Nas X Surprises Street Performer With $100 Outside LA Courthouse

On Thursday, Lil Nas X looked healthy and upbeat. He wore a tan suit paired with a blue shirt and tie, and paid close attention as the hearing got underway.

O’Connor told the judge she plans to “move toward diversion,” although she did not give specifics on the type of diversion program the defense has in mind.

When defendants seek treatment via a diversion program, they can avoid conviction. Lil Nas X currently faces up to five years in state prison if convicted as charged.

O’Connor asked the judge for a delay as she awaits an “expert report” to support the defense’s diversion plan.

The judge granted the delay and set an April 6 court date. When asked by the judge if he agreed to the new date, Lil Nas X responded, “Yes.” He remains free on bond.

The “Old Town Road” performer’s legal team said at a previous hearing that he was undergoing treatment in another state. They did not give specifics on the type of treatment when pressed by reporters outside the courthouse.

Before leaving court on Thursday, the rapper walked over to a street performer named Jensen Pawley, 39, and asked him to play the same song he was performing just before court started.

Pawley said he couldn’t remember which song it was, because he had been outside playing his guitar for over an hour.

Instead, he played “Lucky” by Radiohead. Lil Nas X gave him a $100 tip and applauded at the end of the song.

Pawley beamed with pride and told reporters, “It’s a great moment any time I get someone to nod or smile.”