Lil Nas X’s Bizarre 4AM Street Encounter Ends in Hospitalization & Potential Battery Charge, Leaving Fans Concerned

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Rapper Lil Nas X was hospitalized early Thursday morning after being found strutting down the middle of L.A.’s Ventura Boulevard wearing only white underwear and matching colored cowboy boots. TMZ reported this happened around 4 AM when several civilians in the Studio City area reported to LAPD that they saw a nude man walking in the road showing signs of erratic behavior. 

Someone driving past Lil Nas recorded footage of the rapper randomly encouraging them not to be "late to the party" as he walked away yodeling a melody. At the same time, the rapper seemed to want to avoid being recorded, saying “go ahead babe” as if brushing off the interaction. 

Image via TMZ

When LAPD later arrived, officers say Lil Nas suddenly charged at them, forcing them to detain him in handcuffs. Officers suggested to paramedics on the scene that Lil Nas X was experiencing a possible drug overdose, and Nas was transported to a nearby hospital. However, Police shared with TMZ that the artist could face potential charges for battery on a police officer, but for now is receiving professional medical help.  

The Gayes are wishing Lil Nas a speedy recovery.  It hasn’t been a smooth year for the Atlanta-born creative.

Back in April, Lil Nas shared a video from a hospital bed revealing that he had lost control of the right side of his face, reportedly suffering from Bell's Palsy—the condition that weakens or causes paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. 

Over the past couple months, there’s also been a slew of concerning and questionable posts from him on social media, including a TikTok in March where he shared “how it feels to be in my flop era and finally be able to exist as a human being again” leaving fans unsure if the industry is truly weighing him down or if it was just his typical self-deprecating sarcasm.

And not even a month before that post, he candidly admitted to social media how the past couple years have been difficult and that while he had been inconsistent, he was finally in a place to be more focused on his music. 

Reactions to Lil Nas’ latest incident have been mixed, some people calling it a publicity stunt to amplify a rumored upcoming project, while others are showing real concern for his well-being. One fan responded in a tweet, “something’s off, I hope he’s okay.”

Whatever the case may be, Lil Nas deserves support as he recovers from this unfortunate situation. Beyond the headlines and controversy, he’s broken barriers in music for the queer community and it’s important that during times like these we remember the human being behind the public persona.

Hopefully, this moment sparks more open conversations about mental health in the music industry and the need for compassion over criticism. Read our previous coverage on Lil Nas X here.