Rapper Lil Nas X was hospitalized and later arrested early Thursday morning after a bizarre incident on Ventura Boulevard that has since gone viral on social media.
The 26-year-old artist, born Montero Lamar Hill, was spotted around 4 to 6 a.m. roaming the streets of Los Angeles wearing only white underwear and cowboy boots. Eyewitness videos show him placing a traffic cone on his head, singing cryptic phrases, and interacting with bystanders. At one point, he reportedly shouted, “Don’t be late to the party,” while walking into traffic.
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| Lil Nas X / Instagram |
Authorities were called to the scene after multiple witnesses expressed concern. When officers attempted to approach him, police say Lil Nas X lunged at them and struck one officer. He was immediately restrained, transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation amid concerns of a possible drug overdose, and later booked at Van Nuys Jail on suspicion of misdemeanor battery on a police officer.
The footage quickly spread across TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), sparking intense debate among fans. Some expressed alarm over his well-being, with one Reddit user writing, “PR stunt or not, this is getting scary.” Others speculated the incident could be linked to an upcoming album rollout, given Lil Nas X’s history of elaborate and provocative promotional stunts.
As of Friday morning, neither the rapper’s team nor his record label has issued an official statement. The exact cause of his erratic behavior remains under investigation, with authorities weighing both substance-related and mental health factors.
The Grammy-winning artist, who first broke out with his 2019 smash Old Town Road, has long been known for pushing boundaries in both music and marketing. But the disturbing nature of this latest incident has left fans and industry watchers questioning whether it signals a deeper crisis or yet another calculated move in his career.
For now, Lil Nas X remains in custody as the investigation continues.
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