Lil Nas X breaks silence on bipolar diagnosis: ‘I didn’t want to admit it’
The rapper says he had suspected his diagnosis for years, but struggled with accepting it publicly
Lil Nas X is opening up about his mental health journey, revealing that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and recently spent months in rehab.
The rapper, whose real name is Montero Hill, shared the update on Instagram while reflecting on the changes he has made since a high-profile incident in Los Angeles in August 2025.
“I’ve been in rehab for a few months, and since then I’ve been back at home, whether it’s in Atlanta with my family or in Los Angeles with myself and friends, trying to ground myself down to earth and get out of my head,” Lil Nas X wrote.
The 27-year-old artist said he initially struggled with accepting his diagnosis and feared how others would view him.
“When I got my bipolar disorder diagnosis, I feel like I had known for like the past few years, but I didn’t want to admit to it,” he said, explaining that he worried about taking medication and being judged differently.
The “Old Town Road” hitmaker also spoke about the personal challenges he feels he has faced while navigating multiple parts of his identity.
“I mean, I’m already black and gay. Damn god, give me like — come on, black, gay, bipolar? I’m living life on extreme hard mode,” he shared.
Lil Nas X was arrested in Los Angeles in August 2025 after an incident involving police.
He was later charged with causing injury to a police officer and resisting arrest. Under the reported terms of his case, the charges could be dismissed if he continues treatment and follows legal requirements for two years.
Despite the difficulties of the past year, the singer said he is now in a healthier place.
“On a serious note, I’m doing much better, I’m feeling better, I’m creating freely, and there’s less fear in my heart,” he said. “I’m just smelling the roses.”
The artist also revealed that he has been working on new music as he prepares for his next era.
Lil Nas X, who last released his album Montero in 2021, told fans he is excited about what comes next.
“I’m excited to go on this journey with you guys, this next chapter,” he said. “Thank you guys for holding it down. And I love you.”