Lil Nas X has said he’s OK after a “terrifying last four days” following his arrest in Los Angeles.
The Grammy winner, known for his country-rap hit Old Town Road, was arrested on Thursday after police officers said he assaulted them after they found him walking the streets naked. He was taken to hospital for treatment for a possible overdose.
On Monday, the 26-year-old rapper pleaded not guilty to injuring a police officer and resisting arrest. He was later released after paying a $75,000 (£56,000) bail.
Posting on Instagram on Tuesday, he assured fans: “Your girl is gonna be OK, y’all.” He added: “That was terrifying, that was a terrifying last four days.”
The performer, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, is facing three felony counts of battery with injury to a police officer and one felony count of resisting arrest.
If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney.
Police in LA said he charged at them when they responded to a call about a nude man on a busy main road.
They said they believed he was using drugs at the time, and he must now attend an outpatient drug rehabilitation programme.
‘Aberrant episode’
The star’s attorney Christy O’Connor said there was no evidence of drug use, however.
“This is just an aberrant episode in an otherwise productive life,” she said, according to the Reuters news agency.
His father, Robert Stafford, told reporters outside court that his son was “very remorseful for what happened”.
“He’s going to get the help that he needs,” Mr Stafford added. “Just keep him in your prayers.”
Lil Nas X rose to fame in 2018 with his debut single Old Town Road, which – with the help of a later remix featuring country star Billy Ray Cyrus – went on to become the longest-running number one song in US chart history, at 19 weeks.
He came out as gay at the same time, going on to upend hip-hop with his LGBT-positive lyrics while also pioneering new ways of promoting his music online.
UK music fans may recall him riding on to Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage on a giant fake horse while performing just ahead of Sir Elton John’s farewell gig at the festival in 2023.
By BBC News
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