ADAMS COUNTY, Ohio — A group of deputies from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office have filed a lawsuit against rapper Afroman and his record label, Hungry Hustler Records, claiming emotional distress after footage from a raid on Afroman’s home was used to make music videos.
The videos in question are for the songs Afroman wrote called “Will You Help Me Repair My Door” and “Why You Disconnecting My Video Camera.” The rapper whose real name is Joseph Foreman is best known for his songs, “Because I Got High,” and “Crazy Rap”.
According to court filings, the plaintiffs in the case are Shawn D. Cooley, Justin Cooley, Michael D. Estep, Shawn D. Grooms, Brian Newland, Randolph L. Walters, Jr., and Lisa Phillips. They allege that they have been ridiculed, embarrassed, and threatened since the release of the videos.
The deputies are seeking damages of $25,000 on four counts. The footage used in the videos were taken during a raid on Afroman’s home last year, during which deputies and SWAT agents searched the rapper’s property after a judge signed a search warrant. The warrant, which was released to the public by Afroman, revealed that the sheriff’s office was investigating possible drug trafficking and kidnapping accusations. No charges were ever filed against the rapper, and no illegal items were reportedly located. Afroman was not present during the raid, but his family was. His wife reportedly filmed parts of the search on her cell phone. Afroman also took body cam and surveillance footage and used it to create the music video. The Guardian previously reported on the release of the first music video.
In an interview with VICE News, Afroman stated that he has lost booking gigs as a result of the raid and that it has taken an emotional toll on him and his family.