Ohio law enforcement is suing Afroman for using internet security video

In September 2022, Afroman’s Ohio home was raided by local law enforcement. While Afroman was away from home, his private security camera system recorded them searching his property while they went through his clothing and other belongings looking for drugs or other illegal paraphernalia. Afroman posted videos of these police officers on his social media channels, with comments mocking them as they searched his home. He even directed two music videos titled “Lemon Pound Cake” and “Will You Help Me Repair My Door.”

Now seven officers from the Adams County Sheriff’s Department are suing him for using the footage without their consent. According to the lawsuit, exposing someone’s face without consent is a misdemeanor under the Ohio Revised Code. The officers are also suing because their faces were exposed in public, causing “emotional distress, embarrassment, ridicule, discredit and humiliation.”

The plaintiffs allege that they are entitled to Afroman’s earnings from the songs, as well as music videos and live event tickets, in addition to his brand, which offers beer, cannabis, t-shirts, among other things. In addition, they are demanding that Afroman remove all videos and photos they appear in online.

Afroman has posted a response to the lawsuit on all of its social media channels. “Essentially, a racist judge signed a fictitious bogus warrant on top of the warrant accusing me of kidnapping and drug trafficking,” Afroman wrote. “The warrant enabled the Adams County Sheriff to try to kill me. After the Adams County Sheriff. Burglary, vandalism and destruction of my property. They became thieves and stole my money. After stealing my money, they became criminals. After they became criminals, they lost their right to privacy.”

Afroman’s attorney, Anna Castellini, also issued a statement on her next move. “We are awaiting public record requests from Adam’s county, which we still have not received,” Castellini said. “We are planning a countersuit alleging the unlawful raid, the stolen money and the undeniable damage this caused to my clients’ families, careers and property.”

Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Afroman’s home in August 2022 on the probable ground that they would find drugs and drug paraphernalia. The only items reportedly confiscated were a vape pen, a few cockroaches and thousands of dollars in cash. Ultimately, they found no evidence of drugs or paraphernalia and no charges were filed.

Law enforcement officials claim they have been taunted by Afroman fans, making it “more dangerous” for them to continue working, and have received death threats “from anonymous members of the public who have seen some of the accused accused-described postings.” The lawsuit alleges that “the actions of the defendants were intentional, wanton, malicious and in willful or reckless disregard for the rights of the plaintiffs.”

In Afroman’s last post on TikTok on March 24, he points out that Adams County is home to meth labs but they chose to raid his home instead.

In December 2022, Afroman announced that he was running for president in 2024. “My fellow Americans, there comes a time in the course of human events when changes must be made,” Afroman wrote on Instagram. “That time is now. Americans are suffering and the status quo is no longer acceptable. Inflation is out of control. The economy is in shambles. The housing market is overwhelming. Politicians are corrupt. Bad apples are allowed to stay with law enforcement among our noble and brave officers.”

The self-proclaimed “cannabis commander in chief” and “pot head of state” claims he would tackle cannabis reform and criminal justice reform, among other priority issues.