Lil Nas X, famed for breaking music boundaries, now faces the fight of his life as the LA District Attorney charges him with four felonies—including battery of a police officer—after a bizarre late-night underwear-clad incident allegedly fueled by drugs, leaving fans stunned and his career hanging in the balance.

Old Town Road' singer Lil Nas X faces felony charges

The music industry was rocked this week after rapper Lil Nas X, known for pushing boundaries with both his music and public persona, found himself at the center of a legal firestorm.

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office announced late Monday that the 25-year-old artist has been officially charged with four felony counts, including battery of a police officer, stemming from an unusual and chaotic incident that unfolded in the early hours of last Thursday morning.

According to authorities, the situation began around 2:45 a.m. in a quiet Los Angeles neighborhood when residents reported “a disruptive scene” involving a half-dressed man wandering the streets.

By the time police arrived, witnesses say they were shocked to realize it was none other than Lil Nas X, wearing nothing but his underwear.

“He was erratic, shouting, and seemed completely out of it,” one eyewitness told reporters.

“It was surreal.

At first, people thought it was some kind of publicity stunt, but then things got serious.”

When officers attempted to detain him, the encounter allegedly escalated quickly.

Court documents state that the rapper became combative, striking one of the officers before being restrained.

 

Lil Nas X pleads not guilty to charges relating to assaulting police in LA

 

Though no serious injuries were reported, the alleged contact elevated the charges, leading prosecutors to file four separate felonies, the most serious of which is assault on a peace officer.

Authorities have also suggested that drugs may have played a role, though toxicology results have not yet been made public.

At his arraignment on Tuesday morning, Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, appeared composed but defiant.

He entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.

“My client maintains his innocence and looks forward to clearing his name in court,” his attorney stated outside the courthouse.

The defense team argued that the incident has been “blown out of proportion” and that the rapper had been suffering from exhaustion and stress after months of intense touring and media obligations.

The arrest marks a dramatic turn for the Grammy-winning artist, who skyrocketed to fame in 2019 with his record-breaking single “Old Town Road.”

Since then, he has become one of the most polarizing yet celebrated figures in pop culture, known for his bold fashion statements, provocative music videos, and outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.

Just last year, he headlined major festivals and was in talks for several brand collaborations.

Fans quickly took to social media, with reactions ranging from disbelief to fierce defense.

Lil Nas X charged in altercation with LAPD officers on LA street – NBC Los  Angeles

“This doesn’t sound like him at all,” one Twitter user wrote.

“They’re always trying to bring down successful Black artists.”

Others were less forgiving, suggesting that fame and excess may have caught up with him.

Memes of his underwear-clad appearance circulated widely, sparking both ridicule and sympathy.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles DA’s office has emphasized the seriousness of the charges.

“No one is above the law,” a spokesperson said in a press briefing.

“Assaulting an officer is a grave matter, regardless of celebrity status.”

If convicted on all counts, Lil Nas X could face several years in state prison, though legal experts note that first-time offenders with no history of violent crime often receive probation or reduced sentences.

Adding further intrigue, sources close to the rapper hinted that he had been working on a new album at the time of the incident, with some tracks reportedly reflecting themes of pressure, isolation, and mental health struggles.

Lil Nas X charged with attacking police officers as he walked naked on Los  Angeles street | CNN

“He’s been under enormous strain,” one insider shared.

“The public only sees the flamboyant performer, but behind the scenes he’s been battling burnout.”

Still, the court of public opinion remains divided.

Supporters point to a long history of artists being scrutinized more harshly due to their unconventional personas, while critics argue that his behavior—if proven true—crossed a dangerous line.

As the case develops, all eyes will remain on Los Angeles, where a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for later this month.

Until then, Lil Nas X remains free on bail, spotted leaving the courthouse in sunglasses and a long trench coat, ignoring reporters’ questions but flashing a brief smile to fans who shouted their support.

For an artist who built his career on defying expectations and shocking audiences, this latest chapter is perhaps the most unexpected yet.

Whether it becomes a cautionary tale of celebrity excess or a story of redemption will depend on what happens in court—and how much the world is willing to forgive.