Musician Lil Nas X, whose birth name is Montero Lamar Hill, posted an Instagram video Wednesday detailing his recent mental health care. The artist shared that he has been in rehabilitation for several months and has since returned to his home bases in Atlanta and Los Angeles. He stated that he is now receiving treatment from a therapist and a psychiatrist, which he finds beneficial.
This update follows an incident last summer where Lil Nas X was charged with assaulting Los Angeles police officers. In April, a judge permitted the 27-year-old to enter a mental health diversion program, which, if successfully completed, would lead to the dismissal of charges. The court determined that the encounter with police stemmed from his then-undiagnosed bipolar disorder and was uncharacteristic of his usual behavior.
"When I got my bipolar disorder diagnosis, I feel like I had known for the past few years, but I didn't want to admit to it ‘cause I didn’t want to have to take medication and, I don’t know, have people think different of me," Lil Nas X said in the video. He added that he is now feeling better, creating more freely, and experiencing less fear.
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by significant shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. These shifts can range from periods of extreme elation or irritability, known as manic episodes, to profound sadness and hopelessness, known as depressive episodes.
Lil Nas X also indicated that new music is forthcoming, stating, "I’ve been doing music for seven years now... there is new music on the way." He concluded by expressing his love for his fans and his desire to make them, and himself, proud.
In August, Lil Nas X was arrested and briefly hospitalized after allegedly charging at police officers who responded to a report of a naked individual on a busy Los Angeles street. Authorities stated that the musician was walking naked in the San Fernando Valley and ran at officers who were responding to calls. A criminal complaint indicated that three officers sustained injuries. Photos and video from before the confrontation appeared to show Lil Nas X in white briefs and boots.
Following his release from jail on $75,000 bail, he was required to attend drug treatment. He pleaded not guilty to charges of battery with injury on a police officer and resisting an executive officer. Initially, in his first public comments after the arrest, the artist described the experience as "terrifying" but assured followers that he would be alright.
Two months prior to his recent video update, Judge Alan Schneider approved his entry into the mental health diversion program. Under the terms, if he adheres to his treatment plan and abides by all laws for two years, the four felony charges against him will be dismissed.
Lil Nas X, who is from Atlanta, gained widespread recognition for his 2018 hit "Old Town Road." The song, a blend of country and hip-hop, spent a record 19 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, earning him two Grammy Awards and becoming one of the most popular singles of all time. His 2021 debut studio album, "Montero," reached number two on the Billboard album chart and received a Grammy nomination for album of the year. Other notable songs include "Industry Baby" and "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)."