Joe Budden, rapper and popular podcast host, has been charged with lewdness following an incident earlier this month in Edgewater, New Jersey.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Budden was reportedly caught on a neighbor’s Ring Camera standing n*de outside their apartment.
The charge, filed on December 4, relates to an event where Budden was allegedly seen naked in the hallway of his apartment complex. The Edgewater Police Department confirmed that officers were called to the scene at approximately 7:21 AM after a resident reported the incident.
The neighbor, who had been alerted by their Ring Camera, claimed the footage showed Budden attempting to input a code into their door keypad multiple times before returning to his own apartment.
The resident and their two minor daughters reportedly witnessed the incident live on their phone.
This is not the first time Budden has encountered issues with neighbors. He has previously discussed being asked to leave his apartment complex due to podcast recordings and has mentioned on his podcast that he is a sleepwalker.
Budden’s attorney, Nima Ameri, criticized the Edgewater Police Department and its Chief, Donald Martin, for issuing a press release about the incident.
“Mr. Budden is saddened by Police Chief Martin’s press release,” Ameri stated to TMZ. “Mr. Budden has been waiting weeks for his cross complaints to be processed, which include substantially more serious charges, potentially felonies, against the individuals behind these allegations. Instead, the Chief has chosen to publicize a minor charge to gain attention.”
Ameri further accused the police of racial bias, suggesting that Budden’s race and celebrity status may have influenced the handling of the case.
“The allegations are minor and did not result in an arrest. Mr. Budden looks forward to addressing them in court based on their merits, not in the media,” Ameri added. “The Chief’s actions appear self-serving and, in our opinion, racially motivated.”
Budden is set to appear in court next month to respond to the charge.
