A jury ruled in favor of rapper Afroman on all counts after Adams County deputies sued him over a music video he made using security footage from a 2022 raid on his home, court records show.
The jury ruled in favor of the musician in all 13 counts, which included both defamation and false light claims from the deputies involved, according to documents filed in the Adams County Common Pleas Court.
In August 2022, Adams County deputies raided the home of Afroman, the stage name of Joseph Foreman, with a search warrant tied to an investigation into possible drugs and kidnapping victims. No charges were filed after the raid.
Deputies seized thousands of dollars in cash, which was later returned, but Afroman said about $400 was never recovered.
Afroman said the raid left damage throughout his home, and that the Adams County Sheriff’s Office told him it was not responsible for paying for repairs.
“The guy started laughing and waddling his head, and said we’re not required to do that. They were unapologetic,” Afroman said.
Afroman said he turned the experience into music, using his own security footage from the raid in a music video to help pay for the repairs.
Deputies seized thousands of dollars in cash, which was later returned, but Afroman said about $400 was never recovered.
Afroman said the raid left damage throughout his home, and that the Adams County Sheriff’s Office told him it was not responsible for paying for repairs.
“The guy started laughing and waddling his head, and said we’re not required to do that. They were unapologetic,” Afroman said.
Afroman said he turned the experience into music, using his own security footage from the raid in a music video to help pay for the repairs.
Afroman filed a countersuit for the damages to his home. Judge Jonathan P. Hein dismissed those claims in February.
“I don’t like that they dismissed all of my claims with a click of a button in some little office somewhere without a hearing,” Afroman said.
Afroman said the lawsuit against him was not just about money, but he believes it is a violation of his freedom of speech.
“I should have freedom of speech. I should be allowed to speak out about my life, and police officers that violate my home and steal my money should not be allowed to sue me,” he said.
Enquirer media partner Fox19 provided this report
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Afroman cleared in lawsuit over ‘Lemon Pound Cake’ video of Ohio raid
Reporting by Alexis Martin and staff, Fox19 / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
