Rapper Afroman sued by police officers who raided his Ohio home

A group of police officers are suing rap artist Afroman for featuring footage of their 2022 raid on his Ohio home in several music videos and on social media.

Four deputies, two sergeants and a detective with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office filed the lawsuit last month, alleging the use of the video was a “malicious” act that tarnished their reputations. As a result they have faced “emotional distress, embarrassment, ridicule,” and “humiliation,” according to the suit.

The clips in question were taken during a search of Afroman’s home on Aug. 21, 2022. The rapper — whose real name is Joseph Foreman — was not present at the time, but his wife, who was home, managed to record the officers on her cellphone. Security cameras positioned around his property in Adams County also captured some of the chaos.

Law enforcement officers at the time were acting on a “lawfully issued search warrant,” which stated they had probable cause to believe drugs and drug paraphernalia would likely be found on the property. Authorities further alleged that kidnapping and sex trafficking had also taken place at the residence.

Their suspicions ultimately turned out to be unfounded, and the search uncovered no evidence to support the allegations. No charges were ever filed.

Foreman later used clips from the botched raid in music videos for his songs “Lemon Pound Cake” and “Will You Help Me Repair My Door.” He also used the images to promote his music in several social media posts.

One snippet of video shows police breaking down his door as they enter the home wielding weapons. Another captured them marching through his kitchen, with one of the officers repeatedly looking at the pound cake on the counter.

Foreman — best known for his songs “Because I Got High” and “Crazy Rap, both from the album “The Good Times” — was named in the suit alongside his recording firm and a Texas-based media distribution company.

The plaintiffs are seeking all of Foreman’s profits stemming from his use of their personas. That includes funds from the songs, music videos and live event tickets, as well as proceeds from the promotion of Foreman’s Afroman brand, under which he sells beer, marijuana, T-shirts and other merchandise.

They are also seeking a court injunction to take down all videos and posts containing their images.

Foreman in an Instagram post on Wednesday promised he would countersue the officers.

“All the active meth labs in Adams County [and] they come to my house,” he wrote. “Don’t find nothing, steal my money, disconnect my camera, then sue me for humiliating them.”

“I can’t believe my corny jokes are more powerful than the assault rifles,” the rapper continued. “They ready to shoot me in front of my kids.”

With News Wire Services