Lil Nas X shared that he needed to embark on a journey of self-acceptance after feeling like the world was working against him, in a podcast recorded months prior to his arrest.
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Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The Grammy-winning artist explained in a February 2025 interview that he needed to stop constantly trying to change himself.
Lil Nas X recently spoke candidly about his insecurities and personal growth in a podcast interview recorded six months before his August arrest.
The “Call Me By Your Name” performer, born Montero Hill, joined TS Madison on the Outlaws podcast in February 2025—his first in-depth interview in over a year.
Although recorded earlier, the episode—part of iHeartMedia’s Outspoken Podcast Network—was released on April 21. In the conversation, the 27-year-old artist admitted he had spent much of the previous year feeling hesitant to be active or visible, describing a sense of fear and paranoia, as though the world was against him. He acknowledged that much of this feeling came from his own thoughts, which led him to refocus on self-acceptance—embracing every part of himself and letting go of the urge to constantly change.
He added that people often become overly fixated on forcing personal growth, when in reality, change should happen naturally over time.
As part of this period of reflection, the two-time Grammy winner shared that he reassessed his professional relationships and chose to part ways with several collaborators. He explained that the decisions weren’t personal, but rather based on aligning his life with what he truly needs and wants moving forward, instead of holding on to expectations that no longer feel right.
During the discussion, Hill also touched on how his insecurities were shaped by being a Black and gay artist whose bold and unconventional style sometimes clashes with public expectations. He emphasized that he doesn’t aim to fit a perfect image, pointing out that no one—regardless of identity—is truly flawless, and that authenticity matters more than perfection.
Later developments in 2025 proved challenging for the artist. In August, he was arrested in Los Angeles after allegedly injuring police officers who responded to reports of him walking naked in Studio City early in the morning. He pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including battery against a police officer and resisting an officer.
Earlier this month, however, he was approved for a mental health diversion program. A judge linked the incident to his diagnosis of Bipolar disorder. His attorney stated that he had completed nearly two months of inpatient treatment at The Meadows and was making progress. The case is expected to be dismissed if he continues his treatment and avoids further legal trouble over the next two years—conditions that allow him to avoid a potential prison sentence of up to five years.
