Lil Nas X could see felony charges dropped after judge approves mental health treatment plan

Lil Nas X is one step closer to having felony assault charges dismissed after a Los Angeles judge approved his entry into a mental health diversion programme tied to treatment for bipolar disorder.

The Grammy winning artist, whose legal name is Montero Hill, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom where Judge Alan Schneider ruled that the charges could eventually be cleared if the musician follows a structured treatment plan and complies with the law over the next two years.

The case stems from an incident in August 2025 in which police officers encountered Hill walking along Ventura Boulevard in Los Angeles wearing only underwear and cowboy boots. Officers responding to the situation alleged that Hill resisted and assaulted them during the encounter.

Following the arrest, prosecutors charged the rapper with three felony counts of battery against a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer. If convicted, Hill faced a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.

However, the court determined that the incident appeared to be linked to Hill’s bipolar disorder diagnosis and was considered out of character for the performer. According to reports from the hearing, the judge described the behaviour as “aberrant from his normal conduct” and emphasised that treatment was key to preventing similar situations in the future.

Under California’s mental health diversion laws, defendants whose criminal behaviour is linked to a diagnosed mental health condition may enter a treatment programme instead of continuing through the traditional criminal process. If the defendant successfully completes the programme and remains law abiding during the diversion period, the court can dismiss the charges entirely.

Hill’s defence attorney told the court that the rapper voluntarily checked himself into an inpatient mental health facility in Arizona after the incident and completed nearly two months of treatment. The judge noted that Hill appears to be responding well to treatment and suggested that society benefits when mental health issues are addressed appropriately.

Outside the courthouse, Hill expressed relief about the decision, saying he felt grateful for the opportunity to continue treatment and move forward. “I’m thankful. Just very thankful,” he said, adding that the situation could have turned out far worse.

The court will review the case again in April 2028. If Hill successfully follows the treatment plan and avoids further legal trouble, the felony charges will be dismissed.

Hill rose to global fame in 2019 with the breakout hit ‘Old Town Road’, which became one of the longest running number one singles in Billboard chart history. Since then, he has remained a major figure in pop and hip hop, known for chart topping songs, provocative visuals and outspoken advocacy for mental health awareness.

The diversion programme now gives the artist an opportunity to resolve the case without a criminal conviction while continuing his recovery and career.