The lawyers for the Harlem native have replied, along with Budden appearing to trivialize the situation.
Joe Budden nearly got through the last weeks of 2024 without facing any controversies. On Monday (Dec. 30), the Edgewater Police Department in New Jersey released a statement confirming that the “Pump It Up” rapper was charged with lewdness after he was reportedly seen outside his apartment complex unclothed at 7:21 a.m. ET.
The event occurred on Dec. 4 when a neighbor with two daughters reported observing a man trying to access the Edgewater building via the keypad. Officials were sent to the location, but no one was detained.
Not the perfect way to kick off the New Year, but Budden apparently reacted to the news on Tuesday (Dec. 31) afternoon. The Harlem native took to his Instagram Stories to post a meme featuring former NBA player Jeff Teague grinning while holding his phone.
Lawyers for the rapper-turned-podcaster have since criticized EPD for disclosing information about the case. “The accusations against Mr. Budden are a slight offense, which did not even lead to an arrest.” “A charge Mr. Budden is eager to contest in court based on the facts, not in the media,” Nima Ameri informed TMZ. “The Chief’s remarks are irresponsible and, we believe, driven by racial bias.”
Ameri elaborated, “Our investigation has not revealed any press release regarding a disorderly person charge on the police website this year. In our view, his decision to highlight Mr. Budden is driven by personal motives and stems from Mr. Budden’s race and fame.
Earlier this month, the “Joe Budden Podcast” made its way back to co-host Parks Vallely’s basement, leading many to believe the rapper was indeed pushed out of their former studio. “I accidentally sleepwalked to a place I shouldn’t have sleepwalked,” he alluded to the legal troubles in episode 786. “No one else could handle this except for me.” It’s just me. Therefore, you must handle whatever comes with it. “You would have never expected it.”
