Family Worried Lil Nas X Could Be 'Exploited Like Matthew Perry'

Lil Nas X’s loved ones are pleading for him to get help after his shocking public meltdown and alleged overdose in Los Angeles earlier this week. The "Old Town Road" rapper was seen wandering Ventura Boulevard nearly nude in the early hours of Thursday morning before being hospitalized and placed under arrest. Now, sources close to the star say Lil Nas X's family is terrified of what could happen if he doesn’t turn his life around.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, one insider revealed, “Some of them are worried he’ll be exploited like Matthew Perry if he doesn’t receive help.” The comparison is a sobering one. Perry, who became a household name as Chandler Bing on "Friends," died in October 2023 at age 54. He was found unresponsive in the jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home.

An autopsy determined Perry’s death was caused by the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine also listed as contributing factors. Investigators later found that multiple doctors had supplied Perry with dangerously high amounts of ketamine, raising concerns about medical exploitation.

Those close to Lil Nas X worry he could be at similar risk if he doesn’t receive proper treatment. After years in the spotlight, family members fear opportunists could take advantage of his vulnerability.

Beyond worries about his health, those close to Lil Nas X are also sounding the alarm about the people surrounding him. The same insider who spoke to the Daily Mail claimed the rapper has struggled with trust for years and now may be leaning on the wrong crowd.

“Nas doesn’t feel that he can trust many people from his past because they tried to exploit him financially,” the source explained. “But some of those people suspect his new friends can’t be trusted either.”

According to the insider, the 26-year-old star has been spending time with “seedy characters in L.A.,” some of whom are allegedly living in his home and “leeching off him.”

For now, Lil Nas X’s fate rests in the hands of the courts. Following his chaotic arrest on Ventura Boulevard, officials confirmed the rapper will remain in custody until at least Monday, when a judge is set to review his case. Until then, he has no option to post bail.

Unlike minor offenses that often result in a citation and release, his charge, suspicion of battery on a police officer, requires a mandatory court appearance.

The decision leaves the 26-year-old chart-topper behind bars as family, friends, and fans anxiously wait to see how the case unfolds.

Back in 2020, he spoke candidly with Variety about the toll fame and loss had taken on him during his meteoric rise.

“So much happened during my rise. You know, drugs and murders,” he recalled, pointing to the tragic deaths of Nipsey Hussle, XXXTentacion, and Juice Wrld as pivotal moments that weighed heavily on him. The passing of his grandmother in 2018 hit even harder. “She was the first person close to me who died. It was devastating. And it made me a hypochondriac: I’d wake up, heart racing. It was scary.”

At the time, the rapper admitted to self-medicating with heavy marijuana use as a way to cope, though he later said the practice helped him feel more connected to the universe and gave him a different perspective on life.

As the headlines surrounding Lil Nas X’s arrest and alleged overdose continue to swirl, fans have taken to social media to voice their concern and their hope that the star finds the help he needs.

“Sending prayers up for Mont & his family,” one supporter wrote on X, using the rapper’s birth name, Montero. Another fan added, “I’m heartbroken with the latest news about Lil Nas X. We should just respect and wish him well.”

Others focused on the positive impact he’s already had on the world. “I really hope Lil Nas X is okay and getting the care he needs,” wrote one user. “Everyone has tough nights, but I believe in his purpose. His music & his message have inspired so many of us, & I know he still has so much more to give. Lifting him up in prayer and sending nothing but love his way.”