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“Old Town Road” singer Lil Nas X is nearing the end of his criminal case for assault against police officers within reach.
The Grammy-winning musician, real name Montero Hill, appeared in a Los Angeles County court on Monday and was placed in a psychiatric diversion program. The judge noted that his arrest last August – for allegedly attacking three police officers – “deviated from his usual conduct”. The court concluded that the incident was related to the artist’s subsequently diagnosed bipolar disorder. As long as he follows his treatment plan and doesn’t break any laws in the next two years, the charges will be dropped, Judge Alan Schneider said.
“If he receives treatment, he will do much better – and so will society,” the judge said, adding that Hill “seems to be doing very well.” During the two-year program, Hill was not allowed to possess weapons or threaten violence.
Hill’s gratitude after the verdict
“I’m grateful. Just very grateful,” Hill told Rolling Stone outside the courthouse after the hearing. “It could have been a lot worse.”
As he left the courthouse, the 26-year-old said he was simply “letting himself be carried by the flow of life.” Asked about his treatment, he added: “I’m here, baby.”
Hill’s defense attorney, Christy O’Connor, said in court that after his arrest, Hill voluntarily went to The Meadows treatment center in Arizona and received nearly two months of inpatient therapy there, which was “absolutely successful.” Since then, he has been following a treatment plan she describes as “quite demanding,” which includes weekly sessions with a psychotherapist and quarterly appointments with a psychiatrist. The incident last summer was very public and “humiliating,” and Hill is committed to further treatment.
Reactions in the courtroom
“I hope I never see you again — except on a stage,” Deputy District Attorney Jodi Taksar said to Hill as both left the courtroom. The court scheduled an interim report for July 29, at which Hill does not have to appear in person.
Hill was arrested after a passerby filmed him walking in traffic in the early hours of August 21, 2025. The artist, known for “Panini,” wore only underwear and a pair of white cowboy boots. Prosecutors later alleged that Hill was strolling “naked” along Ventura Boulevard in Studio City around 5:40 a.m. when police arrived.
Authorities said Hill attacked officers who arrived to take him into custody, injuring three of them. He was subsequently charged with three counts of assault resulting in injury to police officers and a further count of resisting a law enforcement officer. Hill has pleaded not guilty and could have faced up to five years in state prison if convicted.
“That was fucking scary.”
After spending the weekend in jail, Hill called the incident “scary” in a social media post. “Your girls are going to be fine, guys,” the artist said in an Instagram video. “That was fucking scary. That was scary. The last four days have been scary. But your girls are going to be okay.”
At a hearing in mid-September, Hill’s lawyers said he was “under treatment” at an out-of-state facility. Los Angeles County Judge Shellie Samuels sealed the details of the therapy.
“You’ve heard the word ‘treatment.’ We’re doing what’s best for Montero from a personal and professional standpoint – but most importantly, his well-being,” Hill’s attorney, Drew Findling, said after the September hearing. “He is surrounded by a wonderful family and a great team of people who care about him and love him. We just take care of these things. It really is that simple. He has lived a great life and he will continue to do so. This is an obstacle he will overcome.”
Looking forward to returning
After a hearing last month, Hill said he looked forward to wrapping up the case. “I just want to say to my fans: I really love you, I miss you, and I’m so grateful for your support – I can’t wait to hug you again,” Hill said, before blowing a kiss.
Before his arrest, Hill shared unreleased music and mirror selfies on Instagram, causing concern among fans. Police first took him to a nearby hospital for a possible drug emergency before he was taken to prison.
Hill’s father, Robert Stafford, rushed to Los Angeles to support the rapper, telling London’s The Times newspaper that his son had suffered from the “pressure” he put on himself as an artist and as a “main breadwinner” for many people.
“We all have meltdowns now and then, but the difference is, when you’re a celebrity, it’s all in public,” Stafford said. “Hopefully this is a turning point.”
