Rapper Lil Nas X has pleaded not guilty to charges of injuring a police officer and resisting arrest, following his detention in Los Angeles last week while allegedly wandering the streets naked.
The musician, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, faces three felony counts of battery on a police officer resulting in injury and one felony count of resisting arrest. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.
Police said officers responded to reports of a nude man in Studio City when the Grammy-winning artist allegedly charged at them. He was later transported to hospital for a possible overdose in the early hours of Thursday.
The 26-year-old appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday, where his bail was set at $75,000 (£55,456), according to CBS.
Unverified videos and images published by TMZ appear to show the “Old Town Road” star before the confrontation, dancing along a Los Angeles street in white underwear and cowboy boots.
He was later seen fully nude, approaching a passing car while rapping lyrics from Kanye West’s “Monster.” His boots were reportedly picked up by a passerby and listed on eBay for $10,000.
LA police confirmed they had responded to reports of a nude man walking along Ventura Boulevard. “He charged at officers when they arrived at the scene,” said officer Drake Madison.
Lil Nas X spent the weekend in jail before Monday’s arraignment. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said three officers were injured during the arrest attempt.
“Attacking police officers is more than just a crime against those individuals but a direct threat to public safety,” he said on Monday. “Anyone who assaults law enforcement will face serious consequences, no matter who they are or how famous they may be.”
The rapper is preparing to release his highly anticipated second studio album, “Dreamboy,” later this year, having teased new material on Instagram.
Lil Nas X rose to global fame with “Old Town Road” in 2019, becoming the first openly gay man to win a Country Music Association award.
The track, remixed with Billy Ray Cyrus, earned him two Grammy Awards in 2020 and broke records by topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 17 consecutive weeks.
Known for courting controversy, the singer faced criticism over the video for his single “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” He responded with a parody apology video and joked on social media that he wanted his critics’ tears to “fill my Grammy cup.”
