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A California judge has granted rapper Lil Nas X entry into a mental health diversion program following his arrest in August 2025. The artist, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, was charged after an incident in Los Angeles where he was accused of attacking police officers while wandering nearly naked. During a hearing on Monday, the judge ruled that the charges against him may be dismissed if he successfully completes the program and remains law-abiding for the next two years. I'm thankful. Just very thankful, Hill told Rolling Stone after the hearing. It could have been much worse.
Hill was arrested late at night on Ventura Boulevard in his underpants and cowboy boots. He was charged with attacking a police officer and resisting arrest. He was also taken to hospital due to concerns about a possible overdose. His felony charges mean that he is facing up to five years in prison if found guilty, and if he fails to complete the judge-ordered treatment. He pleaded not guilty to the charges last year.
The Old Town Road rapper was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after the incident. Judge Alan Schneider said during Monday's hearing that his behaviour when he was arrested was aberrant from his normal conduct, his lawyer Christy O'Connor said after the hearing.
The judge added that he appears to be doing very well; and that when treated, he is much better off, and society is much better off. He then granted Hill's request to enter into a treatment programme, his lawyer added. Diversion programmes are initiatives that allow alternatives like treatment for people with mental illness who are caught up in the criminal justice system.
Following his arrest, his father told UK newspaper The Times that Hill's mother's battle with addiction, and his inability to help her, was taking a toll on his mental health. For a 26-year-old to have to deal with what he's dealing with — to be a breadwinner for a lot of people, the inability to change his mother's situation and the pressure he puts on himself, said father Robert Stafford. His defence lawyer told the court that after his arrest, Hill spent two months in a treatment facility in Arizona.