the staff of the ridgewood blog
Edgewater NJ, Joe Budden, a well-known rapper and host of “The Joe Budden Podcast,” is making headlines for an unusual legal situation. The 44-year-old has been charged with lewdness after an alleged incident involving a neighbor at an apartment complex in Edgewater on December 4, 2024.
Incident Details
According to the Edgewater Police Department, officers responded to a call just before 7:30 a.m. regarding a naked man standing outside a resident’s apartment door. The caller, alerted by their doorbell camera, identified the individual as Joseph Budden Jr.
Footage reportedly showed Budden attempting to enter a code on the neighbor’s keypad unsuccessfully before returning to his own apartment across the hall. Police later issued a complaint summons charging him with lewdness.
Joe Budden’s Response
Budden has previously discussed being a sleepwalker on his podcast, which some speculate may have been a factor in the incident. Additionally, he has publicly shared grievances with neighbors, claiming he was asked to leave his apartment due to recording episodes of his podcast there.
Legal Representation Pushes Back
Following the police press release, Budden’s attorney, Nima Ameri, criticized the Edgewater Police Department for publicizing the charges.
“Mr. Budden is saddened by Police Chief Martin’s press release,” Ameri stated. “These allegations are minor, did not result in an arrest, and are being overshadowed by the department’s reckless and, in our opinion, racially motivated comments.”
Ameri also claimed that Budden had filed cross complaints, including potentially more serious charges, against individuals behind the accusations.
Celebrity Spotlight and Ongoing Controversy
Joe Budden rose to fame with his single “Focus,” which spent 17 weeks on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart. Known for his candid discussions on his podcast, Budden remains in the public eye as he prepares to face these charges in court on January 16.
Despite the legal situation, Budden’s team continues to challenge the narrative surrounding the case, alleging bias based on his race and celebrity status.
Court Date and Ongoing Investigation
Budden is due back in court in mid-January, and the case continues to draw attention due to its unique circumstances and the public nature of the charges.
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was he “naked and afraid” ?
They stoopid
Somebody screwed up and posted his photo…