Lil Nas X Seeks Diversion in LAPD Battery Case

The Grammy-winning artist appeared in court as his lawyer requested a motion for diversion to avoid jail time.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:06pm

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Lil Nas X, the 26-year-old Grammy-winning singer, appeared in a Los Angeles courthouse on Thursday as his attorney, Christy O'Connor, expressed intentions to file a motion for diversion in his police battery case. O'Connor asked the judge to delay the case so it could be transferred to an unspecified diversion program, which could keep Lil Nas X from serving jail time. The singer was previously charged with four felony counts, including three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer, related to an incident in August 2025 where he was seen walking in his underwear and was accused of assaulting officers who were trying to take him into custody.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges that high-profile celebrities can face when dealing with legal issues, as well as the potential benefits of diversion programs that aim to address underlying issues rather than simply punishing offenders. The outcome of Lil Nas X's case could set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future.

The details

Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Hill, was arrested in August 2025 after he was seen walking in only his underwear and white boots through the Studio City neighborhood of Los Angeles. The singer was hospitalized and later charged with four felony counts, including three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer. Police allege that Lil Nas X assaulted the officers who were trying to take him into custody, with at least three officers reportedly injured.

  • Lil Nas X was arrested in August 2025.
  • Lil Nas X pleaded not guilty to all counts last year.
  • Lil Nas X appeared in court on March 13, 2026.
  • Lil Nas X is due back in court for another hearing on April 6, 2026.

The players

Lil Nas X

A 26-year-old Grammy-winning singer, known for hits like "Old Town Road" and "Industry Baby", who was arrested and charged with four felony counts related to an incident in August 2025 where he was seen walking in his underwear and was accused of assaulting police officers.

Christy O'Connor

The attorney representing Lil Nas X in his police battery case, who expressed intentions to file a motion for diversion to avoid jail time for her client.

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What they’re saying

“I really love and I miss you and I appreciate your support so much. I can't wait to be back hugging you guys.”

— Lil Nas X

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 6, 2026 whether or not to allow Lil Nas X to enter a diversion program.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges that high-profile celebrities can face when dealing with legal issues, as well as the potential benefits of diversion programs that aim to address underlying issues rather than simply punishing offenders. The outcome of Lil Nas X's case could set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future.