Afroman sued by Ohio police for using raid footage in music video
Law enforcement claim rapper is profiting from unauthorised use of the footage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Seven law enforcement officials, who conducted an armed raid of the rapper Afroman’s home in August 2022, are now suing him for invasion of privacy.
Afroman used footage from the raid in his music videos and allegedly included it in merchandise and social media posts.
The members of the Adams County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio have filed a lawsuit against the rapper – real name Joseph Foreman – claiming the footage, which shows their faces, has caused “emotional distress, embarrassment, ridicule, loss of reputation and humiliation”.
According to court documents seen by The Independent, Afroman himself was not present during the raid. However, his wife was there and “recorded portions of the search on her phone”, while “several security video cameras” in the home also captured “portions of the search”.
The plaintiffs argue they are entitled to all of the profits made from the use of their “personas”. They claim this includes takings from his songs, music videos, and live event tickets, in addition to the marketing of his brand’s merchandise.
They have also requested an injunction to take down all photos, videos and posts about the raid.
Responding in a Wednesday (22 March) Instagram post, Afroman promised to countersue “for the undeniable damage this had on my clients, family, career and property”.
“My video footage is my property,” he argued, adding that he used the video footage to “raise money to pay for the damages” he claims were done to his home and possessions.
At least three of the rapper’s music videos, posted on YouTube months after the raid, contain footage of the raid. These include “Why You Disconnecting My Camera”, “Will You Help Me Repair My Door” and “Lemon Pound Cake”.
Last summer, sheriff’s deputies conducted an armed raid of Afroman’s home after receiving a warrant for probable cause of existing drugs, drug paraphernalia, human trafficking and kidnapping at the property.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
The Adams County Prosecutor’s Office said officers found no probative criminal evidence during their raid, and no charges were filed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments