Out musician Lil Nas X has been upfront about his relationship with his mother and her struggle with an unspecified addiction. Yet, recent social media posts have shared photos and videos of Nas’s mother without her permission and blaming the “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” rapper for her current state.
Robert Stafford, Nas’s father, wasn’t here for it.
Related: Lil Nas X explains to kids what it means to come out of the closet
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“Despite what people say @lilnasx is the greatest kid a parent can be BLESSED with,” the professional gospel musician said in an Instagram post, including a photo of him, Nas, and Nas’s mother.
“Although his mom is in a struggle with an addiction she’s STILL a QUEEN and he goes through great lengths to make sure we’re taking care of.”
Stafford explained that Nas has done his part in helping with the situation.
“Those who have family members and friends dealing with addiction understands [sic] that there ain’t enough money you can throw at this situation to make it right. I dont usually address personal issues publicly but felt like this need to be.
“Please join us in keeping her in your PRAYERS. And to those out there trying to create a false story you wont prosper.”
Stafford’s words come after gossip blogs and social media posts amplified footage of Nas’s mother, apparently asking for money outside of a business.
According to Radar Online, Instagram gossip page The Neighborhood Talk shared a user’s video of a woman holding up a cardboard sign that he claims read, “feed me.” From his car, the person recording asks the woman if she is “Lil Nas’ mama,” and her response isn’t clearly audible. The person recording tells her the situation is “f–ked up” and drives off.
Recently, Nas addressed the issue in a now-deleted tweet, writing in part, “y’all n***as don’t know how many nights i’ve cried myself to sleep feeling guilty because nothing i tried would help my mom.”
In a 2020 interview with Variety, Nas said of his relationship with his mother, “I never really talk about my mom. She’s an addict so we don’t have the closest relationship.” He further shared that he has tried to get her the help she’s needed, including trying “secretly” paying for rehab treatment.
The effort left him struggling with “powerlessness,” the article recounted.
“Even trying to get her better — things didn’t quite work out. But there’s still love. The biggest surprise of becoming globally famous? On the outside, everybody loves you — but on the inside, everything [feels] the same.”
Nas lived with his father in Austell, Georgia during his childhood for a time after his parents split apart.
According to TIME, Nas came out to his father — known professionally as R.L. Stafford — just a month before he publicly came out in June 2019 at 20. Stafford is known for recording Christian music and released the album One Man, One Mic, One God in 2018.
This isn’t the first time the star’s dad has come out in support of him. Stafford has even complimented the controversial “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” song and “very creative video.”
