Grammy-winning rapper Lil Nas X, born Montero Lamar Hill, was arrested Thursday morning in Los Angeles on suspicion of battery of a police officer, according to inmate records from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The 26-year-old artist is currently being held in the Valley Jail section in Van Nuys following a chaotic sequence of events that began in Studio City.

Police say the arrest followed an encounter in which Hill, wearing only underwear and a pair of white cowboy boots, allegedly charged at officers. The incident was first reported by TMZ, which released a video of the rapper walking incoherently down Ventura Boulevard while being filmed by a bystander.

“Upon arrival, the suspect charged at officers and was taken into custody,” the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed in a statement to USA Today. The LAPD did not initially identify the suspect but later acknowledged that the incident involved Hill. Officials said he was transported to a local hospital for evaluation of a possible overdose before being booked on the battery charge. LAPD Officer Drake Madison later confirmed the arrest was linked to the Studio City disturbance.

Strange Social Media Activity Preceded Arrest

The arrest came less than 24 hours after Hill sparked widespread concern with a series of erratic Instagram posts. Earlier in the week, the rapper deleted all of his previous posts before uploading new content on Wednesday. The uploads included mirror selfies, clips of unreleased music, original artwork, and photos of clutter and discarded objects that appeared to be taken inside his home.

Adding to the confusion, Hill changed his display name on the platform to “QUEEN MADELINE,” a move that left fans unsure whether the behavior was part of a marketing stunt or signs of deeper personal struggles.

This is not the first time in 2025 that the rapper has been hospitalized. Back in April, Hill posted a video from a hospital bed revealing he had suffered partial facial paralysis. He did not publicly disclose the cause of that medical episode, though it led to an outpouring of support from fans and fellow artists.

The Thursday arrest underscores what appears to be a tumultuous year for one of pop music’s most polarizing and innovative stars. Hill first rose to international fame in 2019 with his viral hit “Old Town Road,” which blended country and hip-hop and went on to break records as the longest-running No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, he has become known as much for his boundary-pushing visuals and outspoken persona as for his music.

Yet in recent months, Lil Nas X’s public appearances and online activity have fueled concern. His April hospitalization, now followed by Thursday’s possible overdose and arrest, suggests the rapper may be contending with serious health and personal challenges.

As of Thursday evening, a representative for Lil Nas X had not responded to any media requests for comment. It is unclear whether the rapper remains hospitalized or if he has been formally booked into jail after his medical evaluation.

The arrest on suspicion of battery against a police officer could carry serious legal consequences depending on the circumstances. In California, such a charge can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the level of contact and injury involved.

Fans have already begun reacting to the news on social media, with many expressing shock at the video circulating of Hill’s erratic behavior prior to his arrest. Others have called for compassion, pointing to the possibility that the rapper is experiencing a health crisis rather than a deliberate act of violence.

For now, the case remains under investigation.