The singer, born Montero Hill, will have his criminal case dismissed if he continues his treatment for bipolar disorder and obeys all laws for the next two years.
Old Town Road” singer Lil Nas X is a significant step closer to putting his felony police battery case in the rearview mirror.
The Grammy-winning musician, born Montero Hill, appeared in a Los Angeles County courtroom Monday and was granted entry into a mental health diversion program. The judge found that his arrest last August, for allegedly battering three police officers, was “aberrant from his normal conduct.” The court determined the incident was linked to the artist’s subsequent diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and so long as he complies with his treatment plan and obeys all laws for the next two years, the case will be dismissed, Judge Alan Schneider said.
“When treated, he is much better off, and society is much better off,” the judge said, adding that Hill “appears to be doing very well.” The judge said Hill may not possess weapons or threaten any violence during the two-year program.
“I’m thankful. Just very thankful,” Hill told Rolling Stone outside the courtroom after the hearing. “It could have been much worse.”
As he left the courthouse, Hill, 26, said he was “just going through the flow of life.” Asked about his treatment, he added, “I’m here, baby.”
Hill’s defense lawyer, Christy O’Connor, told the court that Hill voluntarily checked himself into The Meadows treatment hospital in Arizona after his arrest and received nearly two months of inpatient care that was “absolutely successful.” He has since transitioned to what she described as a “pretty rigorous mental health regimen,” including weekly sessions with a psychotherapist and appointments with a psychiatrist every three months. She said the incident last summer was highly public and “humiliating,” and that Hill is committed to his ongoing care.
“Hopefully, I’ll never see you again, except on a stage,” Deputy District Attorney Jodi Taksar said to Hill as they walked out of the courtroom. The court set a progress report hearing for July 29, but Hill will not need to appear in person.
