Joe Budden, a prominent podcaster and former rapper, has landed in legal trouble after an incident captured on a neighbor’s Ring camera. The charge? Allegedly standing naked in a New Jersey apartment hallway.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Budden was charged with lewdness on December 4 in Edgewater, New Jersey. Police reports detail a bizarre early morning event where a neighbor claims their Ring camera alerted them to motion outside their apartment.
Upon reviewing the footage, the resident alleges they saw Budden completely nude, attempting to enter a code into their door keypad multiple times before returning to his own apartment in the same building.
The complaint further states that the resident, along with two juvenile daughters, witnessed the incident live on their phone.
The Edgewater Police Department released a public statement on December 30, confirming the charge and explaining that officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 7:21 AM following the Ring camera alert.
Budden’s attorney, Nima Ameri of Ameri Law Firm, has strongly denied the allegations and criticized the police department’s handling of the situation. Speaking to TMZ, Ameri stated, “Mr. Budden is saddened by Police Chief Martin’s press release.
The Chief has chosen to publicize a minor charge, one that didn’t even result in an arrest, while neglecting to address Mr. Budden’s cross-complaints, which involve significantly more serious accusations.”
Ameri also suggested racial bias and publicity motives behind the police chief’s actions, arguing that such disorderly conduct charges typically do not warrant public statements.
Joe Budden, who has openly discussed his challenges with neighbors in the past, has hinted at a strained relationship with his apartment community, citing issues stemming from recording his podcast at home. In a prior podcast episode, Budden also revealed he is a sleepwalker, potentially providing context to the incident.
Budden is expected to face the charge in court next month. While his legal team appears confident in a favorable outcome, this unusual case has certainly drawn public attention due to Budden’s celebrity status and the strange nature of the allegations.
