Lil Nas X Appears in California Court as Battery Case Moves Toward Possible Resolution
Lil Nas X returned to a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday, marking his first public appearance since completing an inpatient treatment program following his August arrest. The musician, born Montero Hill, kept a low profile during the brief proceeding, offering no statements as he entered the courtroom surrounded by his legal team.
The hearing, held in a Van Nuys criminal courtroom, focused largely on procedural matters. A judge signed a protective order governing how evidence will be shared between prosecutors and the defense as the case advances. A follow-up court date was scheduled for March 12, suggesting that substantive negotiations may be underway behind the scenes.
Outside the courthouse, Hill’s longtime attorney Drew Findling told reporters that the Grammy winner was in “great” condition following recent treatment. “As you can see, Montero is doing amazing, doing great, and we’re super happy for him,” Findling said, adding that the defense remains optimistic about the direction of the case. “We’re looking forward to a positive resolution, which we’re very confident of.”
Hill, 26, was arrested on Aug. 21, 2025, after officers encountered him walking in traffic along Ventura Boulevard in Studio City in the early morning hours. Prosecutors allege he assaulted multiple officers who attempted to detain him, leaving three with minor injuries. He is charged with three felony counts of battery with injury on a peace officer, along with one count of resisting an executive officer. Hill has pleaded not guilty to all charges. If convicted as charged, he could face up to five years in state prison.
Shortly after his arrest, Hill spent the weekend in jail before being evaluated at a local hospital. In the days that followed, he described the incident as “terrifying,” telling fans in an Instagram video that he was shaken by the experience but recovering. “Your girl is gonna be OK,” he said at the time. “That was terrifying… but your girl is gonna be all right.”
At a September hearing, Hill did not appear; instead, his attorneys told the court he had been admitted to an out-of-state treatment facility. Though the judge sealed the specifics, the defense indicated the program was aimed at supporting Hill’s mental and emotional well-being. Findling reiterated at the time that the rapper was prioritizing his personal health, emphasizing that Hill had “an amazing family” and “an amazing team” supporting him through the process.
The weeks leading up to Hill’s arrest had prompted concern from fans, as he posted candid messages and mirror selfies hinting at emotional strain. Police initially transported him to a hospital under suspicion of a possible overdose before he was cleared and taken into custody. In later interviews, Hill’s father, Robert Stafford, said the artist had been struggling with pressure, both self-imposed as a high-profile musician and as the financial backbone of several people in his life. “We all have breakdowns every now and then,” Stafford said. “But when you’re a celebrity, yours plays out in public. Hopefully, this is a turning point in his mental stability.”
Monday’s hearing lasted only a few minutes, but its tone suggested cautious forward movement. The protective-order filing allows both sides to begin exchanging evidence in a controlled manner, a step that typically precedes either plea discussions or preparations for trial. Findling’s reference to a “potential resolution” indicates that negotiations with prosecutors may already be underway.
For now, Hill remains free while his case proceeds, and his team insists he is focused on healing and returning to stability after a turbulent period. The March hearing is expected to clarify whether the case will move to trial or be resolved through an agreement.
