Early Thursday morning, Lil Nas X found himself in a highly unusual and public situation in Los Angeles that quickly drew attention online.
The Old Town Road star, 26, was arrested by LAPD officers under circumstances that left fans and passersby stunned.
Video obtained by TMZ shows the Grammy-winning artist, born Montero Lamar Hill, walking along Ventura Boulevard in just white underwear and western boots before being taken into custody.
Bizarre Behavior on Ventura Boulevard
According to footage, Lil Nas X was vocal and animated, shouting song lyrics and making hand gestures as cars drove past.
At one point, he noticed someone filming and turned toward the camera, offering a full-frontal view while performing Nicki Minaj’s part from Kanye West’s 2010 hit Monster.
The LAPD confirmed that during the arrest, Lil Nas X struck an officer, resulting in a misdemeanor battery charge.
Medical Attention and Jail Stay
After being taken into custody, Lil Nas X was transported to a hospital due to a possible drug overdose.
Once treated, he was moved to jail, where he is expected to remain until his arraignment and bail hearing on Monday.
Sources tell TMZ that since being jailed, Lil Nas X has kept a low profile, showing no disruptive behavior and not performing impromptu shows for other inmates, most of whom are only in pre-arraignment detention for a short time.
The Strange Path to Arrest
Security footage from the Short Stories Hotel shows Lil Nas X initially roaming the property in jeans, a button-up shirt, and a cowboy hat.
Along the way, he discarded the shirt and jeans, eventually walking down Ventura Boulevard in just his underwear and boots.
At one point, he even placed an orange traffic cone on his head while telling a bystander he was “headed to a party.”
Jail Life and Daily Routine
While awaiting court, Lil Nas X has access to simple entertainment, including books, board games, and TVs with a few local channels.
He is being served three meals a day, with options like cereal and fruit for breakfast and chicken or bean-and-cheese burritos for later meals.
Fans Rally Around the Artist
On Wednesday, Lil Nas X shared a series of posts on Instagram, seemingly from home before the arrest.
Videos showed him in a bathrobe playing a tambourine and captioning one post, “FREE THE PEOPLE! NOW!” He also shared a selfie wearing a fur coat with a tiara-adorned cowboy hat, writing, “OH NO sHES GONE MAD! CRAZY I TELL U!”
Fans were quick to offer support and encouragement. Comments flooded in emphasizing mental health and gratitude for his openness.
One wrote, “Your music has helped me come to terms with my queer identity… I wish you healing.
Please be okay.” Others echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of mental health and sending prayers for the artist.
