Rapper Lil Nas X has spoken out for the first time following his arrest in Los Angeles last week, describing the ordeal as “terrifying.” The 26-year-old Old Town Road hitmaker – born Montero Lamar Hill – was taken into custody in the early hours of Thursday, August 21, after being found wandering the streets in just his underwear shortly before 6 a.m.
Authorities allege that when confronted, Lil Nas X charged at police officers, leading to his arrest. He has since been charged with three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one felony count of resisting an executive officer. During a court appearance on Monday, August 25, the rapper pleaded not guilty.
In an Instagram story posted after his release, Lil Nas X assured fans he was recovering from the ordeal. “Your girl is gonna be OK, y’all. That was f****** terrifying. That was terrifying. That was a terrifying last four days but your girl’s gonna be alright,” he wrote.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman condemned the incident, saying, “Attacking police officers is more than just a crime against those individuals but a direct threat to public safety.”
The rapper’s lawyer, Christy O’Connor, called the case “an absolute aberration,” stressing that the behavior alleged is out of character for her client. His father, Robert Stafford, echoed this, describing his son as “very remorseful” and in “good spirits” following emotional conversations. “He’s going to get the help that he needs and just keep him in your prayers,” Stafford said.
Lil Nas X, who skyrocketed to fame in 2019 with his record-breaking single Old Town Road, recently reflected on prioritizing authenticity in his career. “I wanna be myself more than ever this era,” he told People.
