Lil Nas X Arrested for Officer Battery in Underwear, Hospitalized Amid Possible Overdose Scare
Grammy-winning rapper Lil Nas X, 26, was arrested early Thursday morning for battery on a police officer after he was seen walking in the middle of Ventura Boulevard wearing only underwear and cowboy boots. The incident led to his hospitalization for a possible overdose before he was officially booked into jail.
Early-Morning Incident and Arrest
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded around 5:50 a.m. to reports of a nude man behaving erratically on Ventura Boulevard. Witnesses described the man—later identified as Lil Nas X—singing, repeatedly talking about a party, striking poses, and engaging with bystanders. Several residents of the Studio City neighborhood called police after spotting him.
When officers arrived, Lil Nas X allegedly charged at them and reportedly threw punches, prompting police to use force to subdue him. He was then transported to a local hospital for a possible overdose and subsequently placed under arrest for battery on a police officer. Officer Cervantes of the LAPD confirmed, “Upon arrival, the suspect charged at officers and was taken into custody. He was transported to a local hospital for a possible overdose and placed under arrest for battery on a Police Officer.” No officers were injured during the incident.
After being released from the hospital, Lil Nas X was booked for battery on a peace officer at 11:22 a.m. and is currently being held without bail in Van Nuys for the misdemeanor offense, according to *TMZ* and *People*.
Behavior Caught on Video
Video footage from the scene captured by a bystander shows Lil Nas X singing, clapping, snapping his fingers, and referencing a party as he walked down the street. At one point, he placed an orange traffic cone on his head and addressed the driver filming him:
– “Hey, don’t be late to the party tonight. You know where it’s at.”
– “Go ahead babe,” he said, waving the driver on.
– “Didn’t I tell you to put the phone down? Uh-oh, somebody’s going to have to pay for that!”
He continued to strut, snap his fingers, and clap, saying, “I am serving you [expletive],” and urging the cameraperson to attend the party. He also remarked, “It’s going to be a beautiful sunrise,” before stretching out his hand and threatening, “Give me that phone so I can throw it. I’m going to throw it far away so you never see it again. I don’t like phones.” He repeatedly encouraged the bystander to “tell everybody about the f***ing party.”
Social Media Activity
On the same day, Lil Nas X posted several videos and photos to his Instagram account, apparently taken at home. In one video, he wore a bathrobe and played a tambourine, captioning the post, “FREE THE PEOPLE! NOW!” Another selfie showed him in a fur coat and a tiara-topped cowboy hat, with the caption, “OH NO sHES GONE MAD! CRAZY I TELL U!”
Past Experiences with Substance Use and Mental Health
Lil Nas X has previously discussed experimenting with drugs. In 2021, he told *WSJ* about trying psychedelic mushrooms for the first time while working on his debut album, *Montero*, accompanied by his producers. The experience, he said, helped him open up and write more personal stories in his music.
He also told *Variety* in 2020 that he coped with several heartbreaking losses—including the death of his grandmother—by “smoking [weed] heavily.” He described feeling more connected with the universe during this period, taking everything as a sign.
Recent Health Scare
The latest incident comes four months after Lil Nas X was hospitalized for partial facial paralysis. In a video posted from his hospital bed, wearing a gown and a Von Dutch baseball cap, he explained that he had lost control of the right side of his face. Trying to smile and laugh, only one side of his face moved, prompting him to joke, “This is me doing a full smile right now, by the way. It’s like, what the f***? Bro, I can’t even laugh right now, bro. What the f***? Ah! Oh my God!”
Later, he showed both sides of his face and said, “We normal over here. We get crazy over here.” He added, “I’m so cooked,” referencing feeling exhausted or overwhelmed. He later reassured fans, “Guys I am OK!! Stop being sad for me! Shake Ur a** for me instead!” and posted a selfie from the hospital, captioned, “Imma look funny for a lil but but that’s it [sic].”
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, representatives for Lil Nas X and the LAPD have not commented further. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Conclusion
Lil Nas X, known for his chart-topping hits and bold persona, is facing legal and personal challenges following his arrest for battery on a police officer. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about his mental health and well-being, which he has candidly addressed in the past.
