Rapper Lil Nas X (Montero Hill) has been released from custody after pleading not guilty to felony charges connected to an incident on Ventura Boulevard last week.
The 26-year-old was arrested early Thursday, August 21, when police responded to reports of a nude man in the street. Officers later identified him as the Grammy-winning Industry Baby artist.
Arrest and charges
Prosecutors say Lil Nas X resisted arrest and injured an officer during the encounter. He has been charged with three counts of battery on a police officer, one count of resisting an executive officer, and a misdemeanor.
He appeared in court on Monday, August 25, where he entered a not guilty plea. He was later released on $75,000 bail.
The court also ordered him to attend four Narcotics Anonymous meetings each week after police claimed he appeared to be under the influence at the time. His lawyer, Christy O’Connor, said toxicology results are pending and described the case as “an absolute aberration in his life.”
Defense reaction
Attorney Drew Findling emphasized that the rapper has no prior criminal record and urged the public not to let the case define him.
“He’s never been in trouble for a split second in his existence,” Findling told The Hollywood Reporter. “We’re not going to let one little event change the trajectory of his amazing life.”
He also noted the pressures of fame, saying that at 26, “it’s not unusual for something like this to happen.”
Next steps
Lil Nas X is due back in court on September 15 for a preliminary hearing. If convicted, prosecutors say he could face up to five years in prison.
