Rapper and podcast host Joe Budden is facing a lewdness charge after an incident in Edgewater, New Jersey, earlier this month, where he was allegedly caught standing naked in a hallway outside a neighbor’s apartment.
The charge, which was filed on December 4, stems from an event that occurred on the morning of December 2.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the Edgewater Police Department received a call around 7:21 AM from a resident who observed Budden through their Ring Camera.
The caller claimed to have seen Budden, completely naked, attempting to enter the apartment’s door keypad multiple times before returning to his own apartment in the same building.
The police complaint reveals that the caller, along with their two juvenile daughters, witnessed the incident live via their phone.
This incident has caught significant attention due to the nature of the situation and Budden’s public persona.
This isn’t the first time Joe Budden has faced issues with his neighbors. Recently, he spoke about being asked to leave his apartment complex after recording his podcast there.
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He has also previously shared that he is a sleepwalker, which could explain some of the erratic behavior.
Budden’s attorney, Nima Ameri, has criticized the Edgewater Police Department and its Chief, Donald Martin, for issuing a press release about the case.
Ameri argued that Budden is unfairly being targeted and that more serious charges against other individuals involved in the matter have yet to be processed.
“Mr. Budden is saddened by Police Chief Martin’s press release,” Ameri said. “The Chief should focus on notable policing, not trying to gain publicity.”
The attorney also alleged that the charges may be racially motivated, given the publicity surrounding Budden’s celebrity status.
“The allegations are a minor charge. We look forward to beating this in court,” Ameri added.