Lil Nas X Takes Major Step Towards Mental Health Help After Nude Arrest

Lil Nas X is stepping away from the spotlight and into a treatment program after a shocking, butt-naked meltdown on the streets of Los Angeles that ended in jail time and multiple felony charges. The chaos began in late August when multiple 911 calls reported a nude man behaving erratically in the streets of Studio City. Witnesses captured the bizarre scene as the Grammy winner, wearing nothing but cowboy boots and underwear, wandered into traffic shouting lyrics from Nicki Minaj's "Monster" verse. Additional footage later emerged showing Lil Nas X completely naked, dancing and yelling as cars passed by.

By the time LAPD officers arrived, Lil Nas X had reportedly become combative, leading to a tense altercation and his arrest on the scene. Authorities say he resisted detention, resulting in three felony counts of battery on a police officer and one felony count of resisting arrest.

He was first taken to a hospital over possible overdose concerns, then booked into Van Nuys Jail, where he remained over the weekend. Despite his headline-making behavior outside, jail staff said the rapper kept a low profile behind bars, staying quiet in pre-arraignment holding and avoiding any spontaneous performances.

He has now taken a new step to help focus on his mental health.

On Monday, the "Old Town Road" artist's attorneys appeared in court on his behalf, where a judge modified the conditions of his bail to allow the rapper to enter an inpatient treatment facility out of state.

According to TMZ, his legal team emphasized that the 26-year-old's physical and mental well-being must come first following the highly publicized breakdown last month.

"This is about making sure Montero gets the help he needs," defense attorney Drew Findling said, who assured the court the rapper would "bounce back from the debacle."

Lil Nas X's $75,000 bail remains unchanged, and his next court date is scheduled for November 18.

Lil Nas X, born Montero Lamar Hill, has since entered a not guilty plea to all four felony charges. While his legal team is confident in their defense, the case has raised concerns from fans and family alike, especially given the intensifying pressures he's faced in recent months. "Fame has buckled his brain," one insider close to his father said, per TMZ. "It's been building for a while."

Between the delayed release of his highly anticipated "Dreamboy" album and the lukewarm reception of a March mixtape meant to kick off the rollout, pressure has clearly been mounting. Insiders say label tensions and creative roadblocks have only worsened the strain on the star.

While the viral nature of Lil Nas X's recent arrest shocked fans, many close followers of the artist noted that his erratic behavior wasn't entirely without precedent. Despite his signature bubbly, self-aware online persona, the 26-year-old has long been open about his struggles with mental health, hinting at deeper issues beneath the surface.

In a 2020 interview, the rapper candidly discussed his heavy reliance on marijuana during a particularly difficult stretch in his early career. That period, he admitted, left him anxious, isolated, and unsure of his future, even while experiencing massive commercial success.

Then, earlier this year, Lil Nas X shared a vulnerable video reflecting on the emotional battles he had faced over the past few years. In the clip, he admitted he was only starting to feel like himself again, choosing to find joy in real-life moments rather than chart placements, algorithms, or social media validation. He spoke openly about wanting to create for creativity's sake, a move many praised as a sign of personal growth.

Just a few months later, he sparked concern once again after posting a photo from a hospital bed, revealing what appeared to be a slightly paralyzed side of his face. Fans quickly speculated he may be battling Bell's palsy, although he never officially confirmed the diagnosis.

Taken in full, the events of the past month appear to be the boiling point of an ongoing internal struggle. Lil Nas X's next court appearance is scheduled for November 18, but for now, the artist is hitting pause on the chaos and checking into a space where the only thing getting turned up is his healing.