Lil Nas X gives positive update after legal woes: ‘Life on extreme hard mode’
Lil Nas X shared an update on Instagram (Image: Instagram/lilnasx)
Lil Nas X has shared an Instagram video telling fans he spent “a few months” in rehab, has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, feels he’s “smelling the roses”, and has new music on the way.
In the clip, posted on Wednesday (17 June), the 27-year-old said he has been trying to feel grounded again since treatment.
“I’ve been in rehab for a few months, and since then I’ve been back at home, whether that’s in Atlanta with my family, or in Los Angeles with myself and friends or what not and trying to ground myself down to earth and get out of my head,” he said.
Lil Nas X added: “I have a therapist now and a psychiatrist which has been really helpful.”
He said he had suspected the diagnosis for years, but didn’t want to accept it because he didn’t want to take medication or have people think differently of him.
He also spoke about stigma through the lens of identity, saying: “I’m already Black and gay, like damn, God, come on, Black, gay, bipolar, I’m living life on extreme hard mode,” before adding: “On a serious note, I’m doing much better, I’m feeling better,” and: “I’m smelling the roses.”
Turning to what comes next, he told fans: “Speaking of music, I wanted to let you know there’s new music on the way,” adding that he is “not getting completely to that just yet”. He also said he has been making music for seven years.
In the same Instagram video, he thanked supporters for sticking with him and said he’s excited for “this next chapter” as he prepares to return to releasing music.
Arrest and court case
Lil Nas X was arrested in August 2025 after being spotted on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City wearing underwear and white cowboy boots, and he pleaded not guilty to charges including battery and resisting a law enforcement order.
In April 2026, a judge said the charges would be dropped if he complied with a treatment plan and obeyed all laws for the next two years, under a mental health diversion programme.
Montero Lamar Hill broke through with ‘Old Town Road’, which became a record-breaking global hit and a major pop-culture flashpoint. Openly gay, he has been a high-profile figure in mainstream music for queer visibility, and has spoken candidly about his sexuality and the pressures that come with fame.
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