Afroman, born Joseph Edgar Foreman, won a Defense-Verdict in a civil lawsuit filed against him by 7 Adams County, Ohio sheriff’s deputies. The deputies sued him for defamation and false light, seeking $4 million in damages over his parody songs and music videos that included their images from his own home security footage.

In August of 2022, deputies from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Afroman’s home. Based on a “tip” from a confidential informant – deputies were searching for a kidnap victim in his basement “dungeon,” and evidence of drug trafficing.

Deputies broke his front gate, kicked down down his door, damaged personal property, eye-balled his Lemon Pound cake, cut the wires to his home security system, confiscated $5,000.00 cash from a suit pocket and searched his house with weapons drawn. They found no evidence of criminal activity, no kidnap victim and the home did not have a basement. Afroman was not charged or arrested.

Afroman wanted his door fixed, his money back and an apology.

The Sheriff’s Office were not apologetic. Instead of an apology and repairing the property, they said they miscounted the money that they took and gave him back what they said was the actual total. Oops…

As the raid was video-recorded on Afroman’s home security system and having not otherwise received just compensation, Afroman made an album of songs. These told the tale of his experience and featured each deputy. He made music videos, including the banger “Lemon Pound Cake,” that showed the deputies, their conduct and the damage to his home. Officer Lemon Pound cake, aka Shawn Cooley, became internet famous.

Cooley did a double take when walking past the Lemon Pound cake.

With hurt feelings and embarrassed for being confronted for their own actions, the deputies sued Afroman for defamation and unauthorized use of their likenesses. The deputies alleged Afroman caused them emotional distress, public ridicule, and damage to their reputations.

The lawsuit and ensuing trial brought much, much more attention to this matter than it would have ever garnered otherwise!!

In March 2026, a 10-person jury denied the deputies’ claims. The jury determined that Afroman’s use of his own, actual raid footage and accompanying parody music constituted protected political speech and social commentary under the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

Following the jury verdict, Afroman celebrated the outcome on social media and with supporters outside the courthouse, stating it was a victory for American freedom of speech. Afroman has since experienced a resurgence in his music and performances!

Afroman has Mississippi connections having been a resident of Hattiesburg in the early 2000’s – “being best known for his 2001 smash hit “Because I Got High,” Afroman carved out a unique space in the hip-hop world by blending comedy, storytelling, and an unapologetic, laid-back attitude with his music. His blend of humor and raw, real-life commentary has made him a cultural icon for fans worldwide.” https://www.ogafroman.com/

Lots of videos and images from the trial, depositions and the raid are all over the internet. Watch and judge for yourself, but this is not only a WIN for AFROMAN, but also a win for the American-justice system and hopefully will allow common-sense to enter back into the discussion when considering balancing criminal investigation activities with personal freedoms, reliable evidence and how much deference is to be afforded to law enforcement.