Lil Nas X Reveals How He Found His Way Back After Legal Drama

It’s been one year since Lil Nas X shocked the internet by walking down the streets of Los Angeles in nothing but his underwear and a pair of cowboy boots. The rapper, whose real name is Montero Hill, was later arrested for allegedly charging at an officer before being subdued and taken to the hospital to be treated for a possible drug overdose. Now, Hill is speaking up about where he’s been since that scary incident and sharing an update on his mental health.

In a new Instagram post, the “Old Town Road” rapper appeared on camera in good spirits and got personal with his fans as he read from prepared notes to explain his noticeable absence on social media.

“First, where I’ve been: I’ve been in rehab for a few months, and since then I’ve been, you know, back at home, whether it’s in Atlanta with my family or Los Angeles with myself, friends and whatnot. I’ve been trying to ground myself down to earth and get out of my head,” he began.

In case you haven’t been following the legal drama that ensued after Lil Nas X’s arrest, the Grammy-winning rapper was facing one felony count of resisting arrest and three felony counts of battery with injury to a police officer, according to the BBC. However, in April, a California judge ruled that X could evade five years of prison time by entering into a mental health diversion program. This was a ruling that the rapper was “very thankful for,” per the BBC.

Now, he’s out and doing much better with the help of mental health professionals. Continuing with his Instagram post, the rapper said, “I have a therapist now and a psychiatrist, which has been really helpful.” He also revealed that he has bipolar disorder. “When I got my bipolar diagnosis, I feel like I had known now for the past few years, but I didn’t want to admit to it because I didn’t want to have to take medication and I didn’t want to have people think differently of me,” he said.

Being humorous, Lil Nas X added, “I’m already Black and gay, like damn God, give me like… come on Black, gay, bipolar like I’m like living life on like extreme hard mode. But on a serious note, I’m doing much better; I’m doing better; I’m feeling better; I’m creating freely, and there’s less fear in my heart.”

He went on to tell his fans that they can expect some new music from him and that he’s ready to start a new chapter with his supporters.

“We’ve been through so much together. Thank you, guys, for holding it down, and I love you, and all I wanna do is continue to try to make you proud and make myself proud. So let’s go, dreamboy, let’s go,” he ended his post.

In the comments, fans and celebrities sent messages of love to Lil Nas X, writing that they were overjoyed to see him back online and looking healthier.

“You are so loved. So loved! We got you,” wrote “Orange Is the New Black” star, Laverne Cox.

“So happy you’re okay and prioritizing your wellness. Keep shining and taking care of yourself,” commented one supporter.

One fan wrote encouraging words for folks watching the video: “So happy to hear that you’re happier and so proud of you for getting help. To anyone else out there scared of getting help, it’s so much better on the other side, and you deserve to feel good, babe.”

“Great job. Great to see,” added “Sorry to Bother You” star LaKeith Stanfield.