Lil Nas X Appears in Court for Police Battery Case

Lil Nas X appeared in a California courtroom on Monday for a brief hearing regarding his police battery charges stemming from an August incident.

The Grammy-winning artist, whose legal name is Montero Hill, walked into the courthouse smiling but remained silent during the proceedings (as per Rolling Stone).

Defence lawyer Drew Findling expressed optimism about the case’s outcome, telling reporters that Hill is “doing amazing, doing great” following his recent completion of an inpatient treatment programme. The legal team indicated they are confident of achieving a “positive resolution” in the criminal matter, with Findling referencing a potential resolution during the court session.

The charges relate to an incident on August 21st, when Hill was arrested on suspicion of battery of a police officer after being found walking naked along Ventura Boulevard in Studio City around 5:40am. Police body camera footage captured the encounter, which prosecutors claim resulted in injuries to three responding officers as they attempted to take Hill into custody.

Hill faces three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. If convicted, the 26-year-old artist could face up to five years in state prison.

Following his weekend in custody, Hill described the experience as “terrifying” in a social media post. “Your girl is gonna be OK, y’all,” he said in an Instagram video shortly after his release. “That was fucking terrifying. That was a terrifying last four days. But your girl is gonna be all right.”

Los Angeles Police initially transported Hill to a nearby hospital for a possible overdose before his arrest. The incident occurred after Hill had shared concerning social media posts, including unreleased music and mirror selfies that sparked worry amongst fans and followers.

In September, Hill’s legal team confirmed he was receiving treatment at an out-of-state facility, with the specific details of his care sealed by Judge Shellie Samuels. Findling emphasised at the time that Hill was surrounded by “an amazing family” and support system whilst addressing his personal challenges.

Hill’s father, Robert Stafford, travelled to Los Angeles to support his son and later spoke to media about the pressures facing the artist. He described how Hill felt responsibility as the “breadwinner” for multiple people and noted that celebrity breakdowns become public spectacle.

During Monday’s hearing, the judge signed a protective order covering the transfer of discovery materials in the criminal case. The next court appearance has been scheduled for March 12th.