Lil Nas X Described as ‘Threat to Public Safety’ by Los Angeles DA

Lil Nas X has been released on bail following his arrest in Los Angeles, but prosecutors say the case against him is far from over.

“Attacking police officers is more than just a crime against those individuals but a direct threat to public safety,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement. “Anyone who assaults law enforcement will face serious consequences, no matter who they are or how famous they may be.”

Hochman’s comments came shortly after the 26-year-old rapper, born Montero Hill, appeared in a Van Nuys courtroom on Monday, Aug. 25. Hill pleaded not guilty to four felony charges — three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer.

If convicted as charged, Hill faces up to five years in state prison.

Related: Lil Nas X Faces Multiple Charges After Run-In With LAPD

He was arrested Thursday morning, Aug. 21, after the LAPD responded to calls about a “nude man walking in the street.”

Prosecutors allege the Atlanta-born rapper assaulted officers who tried to detain him, leaving at least three injured. Hill was eventually taken into custody and transported to a hospital amid concerns he may have been suffering from an overdose.

In a video obtained by TMZ, the “Old Town Road” hitmaker was seen walking along a nearly empty Ventura Boulevard in Studio City around 4 a.m., wearing only white underwear and cowboy boots. Videos later posted to social media showed him completely nude.

In court Monday, his attorney told the judge that there is no evidence drugs were involved. She also highlighted Hill’s achievements, telling the court he has led a “remarkable life” that includes two Grammy Awards.

The rapper got emotional when the defense attorney said his family members were in the courtroom to offer their support.

A Los Angeles judge set bail at $75,000 and ordered the rapper to attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings. He was released on bond shortly after the arraignment hearing.

Outside the courthouse, Hill’s father Robert Stafford told reporters his son was remorseful. “It can happen to any family,” he said. “He’s going to get the help that he needs and just keep him in your prayers.

The rapper’s arrest comes as the “Montero” artist has faced several personal challenges in recent years. In February, he shared a video on social media describing the past few years as “pretty difficult,” but said he wanted to focus on having more “fun” with his music.

In March, Lil Nas X released his EP Days Before Dreamboy, which includes the singles “Dreamboy,” “Big Dummy,” and “Hotbox.” In April, he was briefly hospitalized after losing control of one side of his face, which he said was caused by temporary partial facial paralysis.

Two days before his arrest, he wiped his Instagram feed and began posting new photos and teasing upcoming collaborations with artists like Lil Jon, and a since deleted clip featuring Sexyy Red and Saucy Santana.

In May, he appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show, teasing the follow-up to his 2021 debut album, Montero. He said he was “just getting started” but also opened up about experiencing “a lot of dark times” in his life.

Hill is scheduled to return to court Sept. 15. If convicted, he faces up to five years in state prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office.