Following the highly publicized arrest of Lil Nas X (Montero Lamar Hill) on August 21, 2025, his father, Robert Stafford, has offered a heartfelt explanation for his son’s behavior. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Stafford described the crushing weight of fame on a young artist, saying, “It’s like a high. When you get to that level, you want that drug again, you want to hit that high again.” He added that being expected to provide for many people and being unable to change his mother’s situation added emotional strain.

The arrest unfolded early in the morning in Los Angeles, when Lil Nas X was seen walking nearly nude—wearing only underwear and cowboy boots—on Ventura Boulevard. Authorities allege he charged at officers, leading to his arrest. He was hospitalized for a suspected overdose before being held in jail.

Stafford flew in from Atlanta and visited his son in jail. Overcome with emotion, he recalled, “I couldn’t do anything but cry. We shed tears with each other for a minute.” He reassured him that suffering a breakdown is normal, but the difference is that “yours get played out in the public eye.” Lil Nas X, even then, asked his father to apologize to fans, saying, “tell everybody I’m sorry they saw me like that.”

Following his release on bail—set at $75,000 with conditions to attend rehab and avoid illegal substances—Lil Nas X took to Instagram, calling the experience “f—ing terrifying” but assuring followers: “Your girl is gonna be okay.”

Stafford remains optimistic about his son’s future, expressing hope that this incident may serve as a pivotal moment for his mental health. He also emphasized that drugs were not involved in the incident.

Lil Nas X pleaded not guilty to four felony charges—three counts of battery causing injury to a police officer and one count of resisting arrest—and faces a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 15.