Musician Lil Nas X was reportedly arrested in Los Angeles, California, after police responded to calls about a naked man on Ventura Boulevard shortly before 6 a.m. Thursday. A viral video of the musician walking down the street in underwear and boots surfaced, fueling speculation online.
Viral video sparks online speculation
Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Hill, was seen in a video obtained by TMZ singing and encouraging the person recording to attend “the party.” It’s unclear what event Hill was referring to.
Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.
Point phone camera here
As the video continues, he said, “Didn’t I tell you to put the phone down?”
The moment has been widely reposted on social media and has become the centerpiece of fan speculation about what led up to Hill’s police encounter.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department told the Associated Press that Hill ran toward the officers. Police suspected a possible drug overdose and took him to a hospital before booking him into jail a few hours later, on suspicion of misdemeanor obstructing an officer.
Fans point to troubling online behavior
Fans say Hill’s recent actions feel like a cry for help.
Earlier this week, Hill uploaded eleven back-to-back posts on Instagram full of emotional and cryptic content.
One post is a photo of a pile of furniture and random items captioned, “Crimson ….. BUT WAIT ALSO. LOVER.. sorry i meant clover.”
Another is a video clip of Hill in a bathrobe and cowboy boots with a tambourine as he sings, “I want to live, I want to fight.”
PR stunt or something deeper?
Some believe the incident is a publicity stunt to promote new music. However, others say it may reflect ongoing struggles the artist has spoken about before.
Hill has been open about his mental health. He’s previously shared his experience with depression and witnessing domestic violence, dating back to a 2021 TikTok video telling fans about his story.
He’s also been open about his mother’s battle with substance abuse. In 2021, Hill’s father defended him in an Instagram post, speaking directly about his son’s relationship with his mother and her challenges.
“Although his mom is in a struggle with an addiction… she’s STILL a QUEEN and he goes through great lengths to make sure we’re [taken] care of,” his dad wrote. “I [don’t] usually address personal issues publicly, but felt like this [needed] to be. Please join us in keeping her in your PRAYERS.”
As of early Friday, Hill’s team has not commented publicly on his most recent incident or hospitalization.
