Rapper Lil Nas X, born Montero Hill, has been released on bail after spending the weekend in custody and pleading not guilty to four felony charges stemming from an incident on Ventura Boulevard.
The 26-year-old musician was taken into custody early Thursday, August 21, after police responded to reports of a man nude in the street. Authorities later identified him as the Industry Baby rapper.
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According to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Lil Nas X allegedly resisted officers and battered one during the encounter. He was charged with three counts of battery with injury on a police officer, one count of resisting an executive officer, and a misdemeanor.
Court appearance and bail conditions
During a Monday, August 25 hearing, Lil Nas X pleaded not guilty. He was released later that day after posting $75,000 bail.
The court has also ordered him to attend four Narcotics Anonymous meetings per week, following police claims that he appeared to be under the influence of drugs at the time of his arrest. His attorney, Christy O’Connor, said test results are pending, stressing that the case is “an absolute aberration in his life.”
Defense response
Attorney Drew Findling said the rapper has no prior criminal record and warned against letting the incident overshadow his career.
“He’s never been in trouble for a split second in his existence,” Findling told The Hollywood Reporter. “We’re not going to let one little event change the trajectory of his amazing life.”
He also emphasized the pressures of global fame, adding that at 26, “it’s not unusual for something like this to happen.”
Lil Nas X is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on September 15. If convicted, he could face up to five years in state prison, according to prosecutors.
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