Joe Budden has been acquitted of lewdness and stalking allegations stemming from a December incident with his New Jersey neighbor. On a recent episode of his podcast, Budden shared the details of the multi-day trial, describing the emotional toll it took on him.
The trial began with the neighbor’s accusations, which Budden characterized as an exaggerated reaction, referencing her “white woman tears” during her testimony. He explained that his issues with sleepwalking contributed to the incident, during which he inadvertently walked naked to his neighbor’s door and attempted to input a door code.
Instead of involving his doctor in the proceedings, which could have prolonged the trial, Budden opted to have his girlfriend testify. She confirmed that he was not fully erect in the Ring camera footage recorded by the neighbor, contradicting her claims of inappropriate behavior.
After a thorough review of the case, the judge ruled in Budden’s favor, stating, “Mr. Budden was not erect. He was not masturbating.” The judge acknowledged that Budden’s actions were not of a criminal nature and that he appeared to be trying to cover himself rather than forcibly enter the apartment.
Following the charges made public by the Edgewater Police Department, Budden expressed his frustration on social media, describing the situation as overly dramatic. His attorney, Nima Ameri, revealed that Budden is pursuing legal action against the neighbor for the allegations, which he views as baseless and racially motivated.
Budden’s experience highlights the challenges of navigating public scrutiny and legal troubles, but his recent acquittal marks a significant relief in what has been a tumultuous period for the rapper.
