Rapper and pop star Lil Nas X is seeking to enter a diversion program following his arrest last year on felony battery charges involving police officers.
The 26-year-old artist appeared in court in Van Nuys, California, on Thursday, March 12, alongside his lawyer, Christy O’Connor. During the hearing, his legal team asked the judge for a brief delay while they prepare a motion requesting that the case be transferred to a diversion program, according to Rolling Stone.
A diversion program is a type of pretrial agreement that allows defendants to avoid prosecution or a criminal conviction by completing conditions such as rehabilitation, counselling, or community service.
The judge granted the request for more time and scheduled Lil Nas X to return to court on April 6.
Charges linked to 2025 arrest
The charges stem from an incident on August 21, 2025, when police responded to reports of Lil Nas X walking in traffic on Ventura Boulevard wearing only his underwear.
Prosecutors allege that when officers attempted to take him into custody, the rapper assaulted three police officers.
He has pleaded not guilty to three counts of battery causing injury to a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer.
If convicted, he could face up to five years in state prison.
Message to fans
Speaking briefly to reporters outside the courthouse, Lil Nas X thanked fans for their support.
“All I wanted to say is to my fans, I really love and I miss you, and I appreciate your support so much, and I can’t wait to be back hugging you guys.”
Following his arrest, the Grammy-winning performer described the experience as “terrifying” in a social media post.
He later travelled out of state in September 2025 to receive treatment at an undisclosed facility.
Family speaks about pressure
Lil Nas X’s father, Robert Stafford, has previously said the events leading up to the arrest were influenced by intense personal and financial pressures.
“For a 26-year-old to have to deal with what he’s dealing with — to be a breadwinner for a lot of people, the inability to change his mother’s situation, and the pressure he puts on himself… that can weigh heavily on your heart,” Stafford said.
The case will return to court in April as Lil Nas X’s legal team moves forward with the diversion request.
