Lil Nas X has provided a moving update on his mental health journey, revealing he has been in rehab for several months and is now back home in Atlanta and Los Angeles. In a nearly three-minute video posted to Instagram on Wednesday, the musician, born Montero Lamar Hill, shared that he is receiving treatment and therapy after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Background of the Arrest
The update comes after an incident last summer when Lil Nas X was charged with attacking Los Angeles police officers. In April, a judge allowed the 27-year-old to enter a mental health diversion program, which could lead to the dismissal of charges. The court found that the encounter was a result of his bipolar disorder and an aberration from his usual behavior.
Discussing His Diagnosis
In the video, Lil Nas X openly talked about his mental health. “I have a therapist now and a psychiatrist, which has been really helpful,” he said. “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.”
He added, “I’m doing much better,” joking that he’s “living life on extreme hard mode.” “I’m feeling better. I’m creating freely. And there’s less fear in my heart,” he said.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, ranging from manic episodes to depressive episodes.
New Music on the Horizon
Lil Nas X also teased new music, saying, “I’ve been doing music for seven years now. I wanted to let you guys know there is new music on the way.” He addressed his fans directly: “I love you and all I want to do is continue to try to make you proud and make myself proud.”
Details of the Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Lil Nas X was arrested in August after allegedly charging at officers responding to a report of a naked man walking on a busy boulevard in Los Angeles. He was taken to a hospital for a suspected overdose. Authorities say he walked nude down a street in the San Fernando Valley and charged at police, injuring three officers. He spent three days in jail and was released on $75,000 bail, with conditions including drug treatment. He pleaded not guilty to three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer.
In his first public comments after the arrest, he posted a video saying, “These last four days have been terrifying,” but added with a laugh, “Your girl is going to be OK. She’s going to be all right.”
Two months ago, Judge Alan Schneider allowed him to enter the mental health diversion program. If he adheres to treatment and obeys all laws for two years, the four felony counts will be dismissed.
Career Highlights
The Atlanta-raised artist is best known for his 2018 hit Old Town Road, which spent a record 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won two Grammys. His debut studio album, Montero (2021), reached No. 2 on the Billboard album chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. Other hits include Industry Baby and Montero (Call Me by Your Name).
