Fans awoke to confusion after a video appeared online showing Lil Nas X, legally Montero Lamar Hill, walking down Ventura Boulevard in Los Angeles wearing only underwear and cowboy boots.
The incident escalated quickly. He was arrested after allegedly charging at police and taken to hospital for assessment of a suspected overdose. The sequence of events has prompted speculation. Some believe it was a genuine health scare, while others suggest it may have been a carefully timed publicity stunt.
Arrest and Hospitalisation
In the early hours of 21 August, police responded to reports of a near-naked man walking along Ventura Boulevard. Footage published by US outlet TMZ showed Lil Nas X in white underwear and cowboy boots. At one point he placed a traffic cone on his head, while at others he made cryptic remarks including 'don't be late to the party tonight', according to Vulture.
Police officers said he charged at them, allegedly striking one. He was arrested on suspicion of battery before being transferred to hospital for evaluation of a possible overdose. Authorities have not confirmed whether drugs were involved, leaving open the possibility of a mental health episode.
Public Concern and PR Strategy
The incident divided fans. Some expressed concern, describing it as a troubling escalation following his treatment in April for partial facial paralysis, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Others pointed to his reputation for using spectacle as part of his artistic persona. His 2021 'Satan shoes' collaboration, the faux-pregnancy photos used to promote an album release, and his recent Instagram purge paired with music teasers have all demonstrated his interest in theatrical marketing, according to The Guardian. This latest episode coincided with hints of a collaboration with rapper Lil Jon, raising questions about whether the drama was strategically timed.
Hoping Lil Nas X gets the help that he needs…and if this was all for promo, I still hope that he gets the help that he needs.
— Chris D. (@cdiggi1) August 21, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about this. Reminds of when Martin was doing something similar years ago. This is a need for mental help. I hope he will get the help needed.
— Nanette (@NanettesZone) August 21, 2025
I wouldn't be surprised if a new album finna drop soon. Calling it right now.
— Black Widow (@TheBlackWideau) August 21, 2025
Health and Artistry
Lil Nas X has previously spoken about personal challenges, including self-medication following grief, and has also joked about his struggles with facial paralysis, according to the New York Post. For many observers, the boundaries between vulnerability, performance and marketing are increasingly difficult to distinguish in his work.
In this case, whether it was a genuine health emergency or an elaborate publicity move, the spectacle dominated international headlines and social media platforms. Videos and commentary on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) circulated rapidly, with reactions ranging from worry about his wellbeing to admiration for his audacity.
Artists have often used shock and spectacle to draw attention to new projects. Examples include Miley Cyrus' provocative performance at the 2013 VMAs and Lady Gaga's meat dress and unconventional stage entrances. In the case of Lil Nas X, the controversy carried a different weight as it involved possible health risks, leaving fans unsure whether they were witnessing performance art or a genuine crisis.
Understanding the Incident
Lil Nas X was arrested after allegedly charging at police and hospitalised amid concerns of overdose. Behind the headlines lies a familiar duality in his career: personal struggles that are made public, and deliberate spectacle used to maintain cultural attention.
Whether interpreted as a moment of crisis or a carefully executed campaign, the episode has once again placed him at the centre of debate. In today's viral culture, even events framed as medical emergencies can double as performance, keeping audiences engaged and the spotlight firmly on the artist.
