Lil Nas X, the genre-bending artist known for hits like "Old Town Road," has brought in a legal heavyweight to navigate his recent felony charges. Reports have confirmed that the 26-year-old musician, whose real name is Montero Hill, has hired Drew Findling, a lawyer famous for representing high-profile clients. Findling visited Lil Nas X at the Los Angeles County jail over the weekend, where the artist has been held.
When Findling left the jail, he confirmed to a nearby cameraperson that he was indeed Lil Nas X’s attorney. Findling has a history of taking on big cases. Back in 2022, he represented former President Donald Trump during an investigation into alleged election interference. His list of celebrity clients also includes a roster of hip-hop stars like Lil Baby, Migos, DaBaby, and Cardi B. This choice of lawyer signals that Lil Nas X is taking these charges very seriously.
The Charges and Arrest Details
Reports from last month indicated that Lil Nas X faced four felony charges stemming from an arrest on August 21. These serious charges include assault on a police officer and resisting an executive officer. The incident began early that Thursday morning when the rapper was seen walking naked in Studio City, California. Witnesses called the police, who then approached the artist around 6 a.m. on Ventura Boulevard.
Lil Nas X Frederic J. Brown-Pool/Getty Images
A police spokesperson confirmed that officers responded to calls about a "naked man walking in the street." They stated that the suspect tried to "strike an officer," which led to the arrest for assault on a peace officer. Reports from TMZ added that police claim Lil Nas X fought back when they confronted him. Before being taken to jail, the rapper was transported to a hospital for a suspected overdose.
Lil Nas X appeared in court on Monday, August 25. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. A judge set his bail at $75,000. TMZ also shared a second video showing the rapper without clothes just before officers took him into custody.
Recent Struggles and Music Career
This legal trouble comes after Lil Nas X has been open about his personal struggles. In February, he spoke on social media about feeling "all over the place." He mentioned that "these past few years were very hard for me." He added that he was "just now getting to this place of trusting myself and what I do." The artist said he was "trying to make sure I put intention in my music, my vision, and all the creativity involved."
Lil Nas X The Hapa Blonde/GC Images
In April, Lil Nas X also posted on Instagram about health concerns. He shared a video from a hospital bed, saying he had lost control of the right side of his face. His post read, "Gosh, bro. Ahhh. Ahhh. So, yeah." He later shared another hospital photo and wrote, "I’m gonna look funny for a bit but that’s it."
As of now, the artist’s team has not released any statements since his arrest. Lil Nas X released his debut album, Montero, in September 2021. The release date for his upcoming album, Dreamboy, has not yet been announced.