Seven police officers who helped carry out a raid on Afroman’s house in Ohio last year are now suing the artist over his use of footage from the raid, which depicts the officers’ faces, in music videos and on social media. The rapper says he plans to countersue.
Afroman Sued By Police For Using Raid Footage In Music Videos, Social Media
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Seven police officers with the Adams County Sheriff’s Department in Ohio are suing the rapper Afroman, legal name Joseph Foreman, over his use of home security footage from a raid they carried out at his house last September, FOX19 reports.
The plaintiffs claim that Afroman has illegally profited off footage that shows their faces without consent in music videos and to generate social media engagement, which has resulted in “emotional distress, embarrassment, ridicule, loss of reputation and humiliation.” The lawsuit claims the plaintiffs are entitled to all the proceeds from Afroman’s use of the footage, including revenue from the music videos and songs he released following the raid — his recent songs “Lemon Pound Cake” and “Will You Help Me Repair My Door” reference the raid directly — as well as from event ticket and merchandise sales.
During the raid, armed police officers forcedly entered the home to ultimately confiscate a vape pen, a couple of roaches, and several thousand dollars in cash. Afroman, the rapper behind popular stoner anthems “Colt 45” and “Because I Got High,” said police also damaged his front gate and security camera system and traumatized his family.
Anna Castellini, an attorney for Afroman, said in a statement posted to the rapper’s Instagram:
“We are waiting for public records requests from Adam’s County we still have not received. We are planning to counter-sue for the unlawful raid, money being stolen, and for the undeniable damage this had on my client’s family, career, and property.” — Castellini, via Instagram
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