American rapper Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, was released from Van Nuys jail in the county’s San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, on August 25. According to court records, the 26-year-old Grammy winner posted bond and pleaded not guilty to felony charges, appearing in court for an arraignment. His bail was set at $75,000, with a judge telling him to attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings.
The “Montero” hit-maker, who has long been open about struggling with the toll of sudden fame, was arrested on August 21, just after 6 am, (US time) and eventually taken to a hospital for a possible overdose. At the time, police suggested that Lil Nas X, who was wearing only his underwear and cowboy boots, charged at them and was subsequently booked on suspicion of midemeanour obstructing an officer.
“Attacking police officers is more than just a crime against those individuals but a direct threat to public safety,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J Hochman said in a statement. “Anyone who assaults law enforcement will face serious consequences, no matter who they are how famous they may be.”
Charges against Lil Nas X
The DA’s office further stated, Lil Nas X was “accused of assaulting the responding officer trying to take him into custody.” In the aftermath, at least three officers were injured.
Hill has since pleaded not guilty to a total of four felony charges – three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer. If he is convicted of the said charges, he may end up with a five-year sentence in California prison. A preliminary hearing is now slated for September 15.
Did Lil Nas X overdose?
As per the police’s revelations, the US rapper was, in fact, on drugs on the day of his arrest. However, Christy O’Connor, his attorney, claimed in court that they were not illegal drugs. During the 10-minute hearing, the musician’s legal rep spoke up against prosecutors’ request to hold him on $300,000 bail.
The “Old Town Road” crooner’s father, Robert Stanford, was even asked if his son had a history of drug abuse. He firmly refuted the claim, telling the New York Post after the hearing, “Absolutely not.” Stanford went on to say Lil Nas X was “very remorseful for what happened,” adding that the situation he was in could’ve happened to any family. “He’s going to get the help he needs. So keep him in your prayers,” he added.
Additionally, O’Connor backed his arguments by citing Hill’s clean record. “This man has never so much as gotten in a schoolyard scuffle,” he told the judge. “Assuming the allegations here are true, this is an absolute aberration in this person’s life. Nothing like this has ever happened, your honou.”