Rapper Lil Nas X, who was arrested last week after a bizarre stroll along Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, where he was spotted walking in underwear and cowboy boots, was charged Monday with three felony counts of battery against a police officer and one count of resisting arrest.
The 26-year-old “Old Town Road” singer, whose real name is Montero Hill, appeared in a Van Nuys courtroom late Monday morning and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He was released on $75,000 bond shortly after 3 p.m. Monday, according to jail records.
Hill was arrested around 6 a.m. last Thursday after being spotted walking on Ventura Boulevard in an apparently disoriented state. Video taken by a witness showed him strutting along the street wearing only underwear and cowboy boots, at one point placing an orange traffic cone on his head. Subsequent video showed the singer completely naked.
He allegedly assaulted responding officers who were trying to take him into custody, injuring at least three of them, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
According to various reports, the rapper allegedly charged at the officers. One report indicated that Hill punched an officer in the face during the struggle.
The rapper was ultimately arrested and taken to a hospital, amid concerns he may have been suffering from an overdose. His attorney told a judge Monday that she knew of no evidence that drugs were involved, and said he has led a “remarkable life” that includes winning two Grammy Awards.
Hill is due back in court Sept. 15, when a hearing will be scheduled to determine if there is enough evidence for him to stand trial.
If convicted as charged, Hill faces up to five years in state prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
In a statement released shortly after the charges were filed, District Attorney Nathan Hochman said, “Attacking police officers is more than just a crime against those individuals but a direct threat to public safety. Anyone who assaults law enforcement will face serious consequences, no matter who they are or how famous they may be.”