Lil Nas X gets “trolled” by netizens for iPhone 12 despite owning millions of dollars

Lil Nas X, one of the most talked-about names in modern music, has once again found himself trending online—though this time, it wasn’t for his bold stage performances or chart-topping singles. Instead, fans and netizens turned their attention to his iPhone 12 Pro Max, which appeared visibly cracked during the Variety Hitmakers event 2021 in Hollywood.

Despite being a millionaire artist, honored at the event with the prestigious Creator of the Year Award, Lil Nas X proved that even global superstars aren’t immune to everyday inconveniences like carrying around a shattered smartphone.

This humorous contrast—between his glamorous award-winning career and his visibly damaged phone—gave netizens plenty of material to tease and admire the star’s down-to-earth side.

Lil Nas X: The “Male Lady Gaga” of Gen Z

Over the past few years, Lil Nas X has been dubbed the “male Lady Gaga” of Gen Z, largely thanks to his daring approach to music, fashion, and performance art. From his breakout hit Old Town Road to innovative music videos that dominate social media, the rapper-singer has consistently pushed creative boundaries.

His ability to blend genres, shock audiences with unpredictable stage concepts, and deliver viral content has made him a cultural icon. For this reason, his recognition at the Variety Hitmakers event was widely celebrated by fans and industry insiders alike.

But what truly stole the spotlight that night wasn’t only his award—it was his phone.

The Shattered iPhone 12 That Got Everyone Talking

During the celebration, Lil Nas X checked in with fellow celebrities, smiling and enjoying the night. Cameras followed his every move, but eagle-eyed netizens quickly noticed something unusual: his Pacific Blue iPhone 12 Pro Max had a broken back glass.

In several photos and clips circulating online, cracks could be seen along the upper part of the phone’s rear panel. Interestingly, the front display looked undamaged, suggesting that while the back glass had suffered an accident, the device was still functional.

This discovery became the talk of the internet. Fans couldn’t resist poking fun, asking why one of the richest young stars in music was still walking around with a phone that looked like it had been through a rough night out.

Why a Broken iPhone Isn’t Unusual

Though the jokes flowed freely, experts and everyday iPhone users alike were quick to point out that a cracked iPhone back isn’t a dealbreaker. The iPhone 12 Pro Max, released in 2020, was built with Gorilla Glass backs and stainless steel frames.

This design, while elegant, is prone to cracking if dropped. However, even with visible damage, the phone often remains fully operational. The structural design also ensures that the cracks don’t cause sharp edges, meaning users can continue using the phone without risking injury.

In other words, Lil Nas X’s iPhone 12 Pro Max may look worse for wear, but it likely still works perfectly fine—a fact that makes his decision to keep using it more understandable.

Fans React: From Teasing to Admiration

The online reaction to Lil Nas X’s cracked iPhone was swift and mixed. On one hand, many fans joked about the contrast between his multi-million-dollar net worth and his choice to stick with a visibly broken phone. On the other hand, some admired his practicality, pointing out that it made him more relatable to everyday people.

Comments ranged from playful banter like:

• “How does a man worth millions not get his iPhone fixed?”
  to admiration:

• “I love that he’s just like us. Rich or not, a cracked iPhone still works.”

This blend of humor and relatability only added to Lil Nas X’s appeal, showing that even in the glitzy world of Hollywood, stars experience the same small annoyances as everyone else.

The Symbolism Behind the Cracked iPhone

For many observers, Lil Nas X’s broken iPhone became symbolic. It highlighted the idea that success doesn’t necessarily mean perfection in every aspect of life. Even someone at the top of the charts and the peak of fame can overlook—or simply not care about—a cracked phone.

It also spoke to his personality. Known for not taking himself too seriously and often poking fun at situations, Lil Nas X may see the broken phone as a minor inconvenience rather than a priority. This casual attitude is part of what makes him resonate with Gen Z fans, who admire authenticity over polished perfection.

Variety Hitmakers 2021: A Big Night for Lil Nas X

While the phone was a quirky detail, the true highlight of the evening was Lil Nas X being honored with the Creator of the Year Award. This recognition cemented his status as not just a performer, but a true innovator in the music industry.

Throughout his career, he has proven his ability to dominate the charts, redefine marketing strategies, and create moments that blend music with internet culture. Whether through viral TikTok challenges, groundbreaking visuals, or collaborations with major artists, Lil Nas X continues to shape the future of entertainment.

The cracked iPhone, in contrast, only added a humorous footnote to an otherwise monumental achievement.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max: Still a Popular Choice

It’s worth noting that the iPhone 12 Pro Max, even years after its release, remains a popular device among both celebrities and everyday users. Featuring a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, advanced A14 Bionic chip, and professional-grade cameras, it was Apple’s flagship phone in 2020.

The Pacific Blue color, in particular, became one of the most sought-after shades. While newer models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 have since launched, many users—including Lil Nas X—have stuck with their older devices due to familiarity and performance reliability.

This reinforces the notion that even celebrities don’t always feel the need to upgrade as soon as new models drop.

Relatability: A Secret to Lil Nas X’s Success

Part of Lil Nas X’s enduring popularity lies in his ability to connect with fans. Beyond his music and fashion, small moments like this—where fans see him holding onto a shattered iPhone despite his wealth—make him feel more approachable.

In today’s entertainment landscape, authenticity is as valuable as talent. Fans want to feel like they know their favorite stars, and when those stars reveal imperfections or quirks, it only strengthens the bond.

Lil Nas X’s cracked phone incident, while minor, fits perfectly into his brand: a superstar who doesn’t hide from reality, embraces humor, and always finds ways to stay in the spotlight—whether intentional or not.

Conclusion: A Millionaire with a Broken Phone

The sight of Lil Nas X with a cracked iPhone 12 Pro Max at the Variety Hitmakers event 2021 became an unexpected viral moment. While he was being honored for his massive contributions to the music industry, fans zeroed in on his broken phone as a symbol of relatability, humor, and authenticity.

Whether teased for being a millionaire with a shattered device or praised for not being materialistic, Lil Nas X once again proved why he remains one of the most compelling figures in pop culture.

At the end of the day, the cracked phone didn’t overshadow his award—it enhanced his story, reminding everyone that sometimes, even the brightest stars have little cracks that make them shine more human.