ADAMS COUNTY, Ohio (WXIX) – Rapper Afroman is set to stand trial March 16 after Adams County deputies sued him over a music video he made using security footage from a 2022 raid on his home.
How it started
In August 2022, Adams County deputies raided the home of Joseph Foreman, better known as Afroman, 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.
The music video
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.
“I use my personal life to write my music,” he said. “Will you help me repair my gate, will you help me repair my door. I’m singing about what actually happened to me.”
Deputies who appear in the video are now suing the rapper for damages caused by their likenesses being used in the video.
The countersuit
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 is not just about money — 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.
FOX19 NOW reached out to the judge, the attorney for the deputies, and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office but haven’t received any responses.
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