Lil Nas X was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after his battery arrest last year.
A Los Angeles judge revealed the news during a court hearing on Monday, April 6, while granting the “Old Town Road” rapper entry into a mental health diversion program, according to Rolling Stone.
Judge Alan Schneider also agreed to dismiss the case if Lil Nas X (real name Montero Lamar Hill) continues treatment and does not break any more laws in the next two years.
“When treated, he is much better off, and society is much better off,” the judge said, adding that the two-time Grammy winner “appears to be doing very well” so far.
Fans of Lil Nas X were left puzzled and looking for answers after the rapper was arrested in the early hours of August 21, 2025. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the rapper was taken into custody after he attempted to “batter an officer.” He has since been charged with four felonies. The arrest came […]
Schneider shared his belief that the incident that led to Lil Nas X’s arrest was “aberrant from his normal conduct” and directly linked to his bipolar disorder, which the Mayo Clinic defines as “a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings.”
Lil Nas X’s defense lawyer, Christy O’Connor, told the court on Monday that the “Industry Baby” rapper had voluntarily checked himself into the Meadows treatment center in Arizona after his arrest last summer and received nearly two months of “absolutely successful” inpatient care, according to Rolling Stone.
O’Connor added that Lil Nas X now follows a “pretty rigorous mental health regimen” that includes weekly psychotherapist sessions as well as appointments with a psychiatrist every three months.
The “Panini” rapper told reporters outside the courthouse on Monday that he was “very thankful” for the judge’s decision, noting, “It could have been much worse.” (He faced up to five years in prison if convicted.)
Lil Nas X was arrested and hospitalized in L.A. in August 2025 after locals saw him walking naked in traffic on Ventura Boulevard in the early hours of the morning. Police claimed the “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” singer charged at and attacked them when they responded to the scene, which led to him being charged with four felonies: three counts of battery with injury on an officer and one count of resisting arrest. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bond.
After a brief court appearance last month, Lil Nas X issued a message to fans after putting his music career on hold to deal with his personal and legal issues.
“I really love and miss you, and I appreciate your support so much,” he said. “I can’t wait to be back hugging you guys.”
