On Thursday, rapper Lil Nas X, whose legal name is Montero Hill, took the latest step in his court case as he attempts to avoid prison time for allegedly assaulting police officers. The soon-to-be 27-year-old artist and his lawyer, Christy O’Connor, asked for a diversion program as they appeared before a judge in Van Nuys, Calif, People reported.

What is a diversion program?

According to the Los Angeles firm Perlman & Cohen, a diversion program allows individuals to attend rehabilitation programs instead of facing criminal charges. People who successfully complete the rehabilitation programs may have their charges dropped and avoid prison time.

The programs can also help people overcome hurdles in finding jobs or buying homes after facing charges. Participants of diversion programs may be required to complete counseling, therapy or substance abuse programs. California provides diversion programs for misdemeanors and violent crimes in some cases.

Why is Lil Nas X facing charges?

Lil Nas X faced assault charges in August after he allegedly attacked officers when they tried to detain him for walking naked on Ventura Blvd. in Los Angeles. Police said the singer used “force and violence [to] inflict and injure” three officers, according to People. Lil Nas X later waived his arraignment and pleaded not guilty to three counts of battery.

The Grammy winner was released with a $75,000 bail after spending a day in jail. As People reported, the court also required Lil Nas X to attend four Narcotics Anonymous sessions per week.

Lil Nas X later went to Instagram to tell his fans about his case: “Your girl is gonna be okay, boo. Okay? S—’s gonna be all right,” he wrote at the time, per People. “S**t’s gonna be all right. S**t. That was f**king terrifying. That was terrifying. That was a terrifying last four days. But your girl is gonna be all right.”

O’Connor also told the court that drugs were never involved in Lil Nas X’s incident.

“Assuming the allegations here are true, this is an absolute aberration in this person’s life,” O’Connor told the judge,” according to the Associated Press. “Nothing like this has ever happened to him.”

After his latest hearing, Lil Nas X spoke to reporters outside the courtroom.

“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,” he said, per Rolling Stone reporter Nancy Dillon via People.

Lil Nas X spoke after court appearance in police battery case

“I really love & miss you,” he said in msg to fans. “I can’t wait to be back hugging you guys”

Atty Christy O’Connor told judge they’ll soon file motion for diversion, in bid to end prosecution

Case back 4/6/26 pic.twitter.com/hYfdVbQLEi

— Nancy Dillon (@Nancy__Dillon) March 12, 2026