Lil Nas X Seeks Diversion in Felony Battery Case

Lil Nas X appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on March 12, seeking to divert his felony battery case stemming from an August arrest, as his attorney requested a delay to pursue a treatment program that could lead to dismissal of the charges.

The 26-year-old artist, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, faced Los Angeles Superior Court in Van Nuys for the hearing. His lawyer, Christy O'Connor, asked the judge for a brief postponement to file a motion transferring the case to an unspecified diversion program. Such programs typically require participants to complete rehabilitation or treatment, after which charges may be dropped if conditions are met. The judge scheduled the next appearance for April 6. If convicted without diversion, Hill could face up to five years in state prison.

The case originated in the early morning hours of August 21 in the Studio City neighborhood, when police responded to reports of a man walking in traffic along Ventura Boulevard. Authorities found Hill, dressed only in his underwear, and attempted to detain him. Prosecutors allege that a struggle ensued, during which Hill used force against three officers, injuring them. He was charged with three...