Lil Nas X has been granted a path to have his aggravated assault charges dismissed entirely after a Los Angeles judge approved his participation in a mental health diversion program.
The rapper, whose real name is Montero Hill, appeared in court Monday, where Judge Alan Schneider ruled that the charges would be acquitted provided Hill follows a strict treatment plan and stays out of trouble for the next two years.
The decision comes after the judge ruled that Hill’s actions during an arrest last August were related to his bipolar diagnosis and represented “deviations from his normal behavior.”
The legal troubles began last summer when Hill was arrested after being seen walking along Ventura Boulevard wearing only his underwear and cowboy boots.
He initially faced three counts of battery on a police officer and one charge of resisting an executive and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Had he been convicted, the musician could have risked up to five years in prison.
However, the court took a more supportive stance during the most recent hearing, with Judge Schneider noting that Hill “seems to be doing very well” and noting that “when he’s being treated, he’s doing a lot better and the community is a lot better off.”
Hill’s defense attorney, Christy O’Connor, informed the court that the star had already taken significant steps toward recovery by voluntarily checking himself into a treatment facility in Arizona for nearly two months of hospitalization.
This proactive approach appears to have weighed heavily in the judge’s decision to offer a diversion rather than a standard criminal case.
The court is now scheduled to rule on the final dismissal of the charges in April 2028, as long as Hill continues to meet the requirements of the court order over the next 24 months.
Speaking outside the courtroom after the ruling, Hill expressed his relief and gratitude at the outcome.
He told Rolling Stone“I’m grateful. Just very grateful,” while acknowledging the gravity of the situation by adding that “it could have been a lot worse.”
By prioritizing mental health support over incarceration, the sentence marks a significant turning point for the artist as he works to move past the incident and maintain his recent progress.
