Grammy-winning rapper Lil Nas X was hospitalized and later arrested on Thursday, August 21, after a bizarre incident on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City that left fans and witnesses stunned. The “Old Town Road” star was reportedly treated for a suspected overdose before being discharged and booked into Valley Jail on a misdemeanor charge.
Passersby were left in disbelief after spotting the 26-year-old artist—real name Montero Lamar Hill—wandering Ventura Boulevard dressed only in underwear and cowboy boots. At one point, he was seen balancing an orange traffic cone on his head, behavior witnesses described as erratic and disoriented.
Videos quickly circulated online, showing Lil Nas X stumbling along the street, sparking concern that the rapper was in medical distress. Calls to emergency services soon followed, bringing Los Angeles police officers to the scene.
When officers arrived, the situation escalated. According to law enforcement reports, Lil Nas X allegedly charged at the responding officers, prompting them to restrain and arrest him. He was then taken to a local hospital under suspicion of a drug overdose.
Medical staff treated and evaluated the star before he was discharged later that day. Soon after, he was transferred to Valley Jail in Van Nuys, where he was officially booked on a misdemeanor battery charge linked to the altercation with police.
The hospitalization raised alarm among fans, especially given Lil Nas X’s recent admissions about his struggles with health and well-being. Earlier this year, he revealed that he had suffered partial facial paralysis, a condition that sidelined him temporarily. He also spoke candidly about how the last few years had been “pretty difficult,” citing both emotional and mental health struggles.
While many fans expressed compassion and hoped for his recovery, others pointed to the star’s history of provocative stunts, questioning whether the incident was linked to performance antics gone too far. Still, the seriousness of a suspected overdose left little room for jokes, as fellow artists and influencers urged empathy.
Lil Nas X rose to fame in 2019 with the record-breaking hit “Old Town Road”, which became the longest-running No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, he has built a reputation for pushing boundaries with his music, fashion, and stage performances, often sparking controversy while simultaneously reshaping conversations around identity, fame, and artistry.
This incident, however, marks one of the most troubling episodes of his career. As of now, Lil Nas X faces a misdemeanor charge of battery. Authorities have not confirmed whether additional charges could follow, pending toxicology results. It is also unclear whether the artist will seek professional treatment following the suspected overdose.
His management team has yet to issue an official statement, leaving fans anxiously awaiting word on his condition and next steps.