Lil Nas X has received a major development in his battery case, months after his high-profile arrest last August.
The artist has now been approved for a mental health diversion program following allegations that he battered three police officers. The decision was made on Monday, with the court pointing to his bipolar disorder diagnosis as a key factor.
Judge Alan Schneider confirmed that the case will be dismissed if Lil Nas X follows through with his treatment plan over the next two years. “When treated, he is much better off, and society is much better off,” Schneider said, per Rolling Stone.
Speaking outside the courtroom, Lil Nas X told Nancy Dillon that he’s “thankful” and simply “going through the flow of life.”
Authorities initially took Lil Nas X into custody back in August, hitting him with three counts of battery causing injury to a police officer, along with one count of resisting an executive officer. Officers reportedly responded to calls about him “strolling naked” in Studio City around 5:00 AM before attempting to detain him.
By September, his attorney, Drew Findling, confirmed that Nas had begun receiving treatment. “You heard the ‘treatment’ word. We’re doing what is best for Montero from a personal standpoint and a professional standpoint, but most importantly, for his well-being,” Findling shared after a hearing. “He is surrounded by an amazing family, an amazing team of people that care about him and love him. And we’re just addressing those issues. It’s really as simple as that. He’s had a great life, and he’ll continue to have a great life. This is a bump that he’s going to get over.”
Following another hearing last month, Nas also reached out to fans with a heartfelt message. “All I wanted to say is to my fans, I really love, and I miss you. I appreciate your support so much, and I can’t wait to be back hugging you guys,” he said.
The rapper hasn’t dropped a new studio album since Montero in 2021, but he’s already teased what’s next, confirming his upcoming project will be titled Dreamboy.
