Afroman wins defamation case over ‘Lemon Pound Cake’ raid video : NPR

Afroman sought to turn a negative situation into something positive with his song “Lemon Pound Cake,” by creating music videos and social media content that poked fun at the law enforcement officers who raided his Ohio residence.

In August 2022, a surveillance video captured officers from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office breaking into his house, searching through his belongings, and even pausing to look at a cake dish on his kitchen counter.

The search, conducted on suspicions of drug trafficking and kidnapping, yielded no evidence or charges against Afroman, whose legal name is Joseph Foreman. He claimed that officers caused damage, took $400 in cash, and terrified his family. Afroman was not home, but his wife and young children were present.

“As a powerless Black man in America, I wondered how I could respond to the police who raided my home and traumatized my family,” Afroman told NPR in 2023. “I decided to create a humorous rap song about them and use the proceeds to cover the damages.”

Known for hits like “Because I Got High” and “Crazy Rap (Colt 45 and 2 Zig-Zags),” Afroman gained attention again with the release of Lemon Pound Cake in 2023. The album’s 14 tracks include titles such as “The Police Raid” and “Will You Help Me Repair My Door,” featuring surveillance footage in the music videos.

He also shared memes and sold merchandise lampooning the incident and those involved, with themes ranging from humorous comparisons to more serious allegations against department members.

Afroman described his response as “the smartest, most peaceful solution,” but the officers disagreed. In 2023, seven deputies sued him for defamation and invasion of privacy, claiming his unauthorized use of their images damaged their reputations. They sought $3.9 million in damages.

Despite the lawsuit, Afroman continued releasing personal songs about the deputies, including “The Batteram Hymn of the Police Whistleblower” ahead of the trial.

“They vandalize my property, my money came up short / they disconnect my cameras because they are a poor sport,” he sings. “They’re the predators and the victims and they’re suing me in court / my proof’s on the Internet.”

The three-day trial addressed topics like policing and free speech, with a mix of serious discussions and viral moments. On Wednesday, the jury sided with Afroman.

“I didn’t win, America won,” Afroman, 51, told reporters outside the court, dressed in a suit patterned with the American flag. “America still has freedom of speech. It’s still for the people, by the people.”

NPR reached out to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and their attorney but received no response before publication.

A quick recap of a quick trial

The trial’s primary question was whether Afroman’s response to the raid was protected free speech. He and his lawyer argued it was.

“I have the right to kick a can in my backyard, use my freedom of speech, and turn my bad times into a good time,” Afroman testified. “I don’t go to their houses, kick down their doors, then try to play the victim and sue them.”

He claimed none of this would have happened without the raid: “This whole thing is their fault, and they’re suing me for their mistake.”

Robert Klingler, representing the deputies, argued that even if Afroman found the warrant unfair, it didn’t justify spreading lies to harm the officers. He sought a verdict that would compensate them for their experiences.

Several officers testified about the impacts on their lives.

Shawn Cooley, the deputy filmed looking at the cake, said he received “hundreds of poundcakes” at work. He was even recognized by officers in other areas.

“Someone came out of a room, called me a thief, and asked why I stole Afroman’s money,” Cooley said. “It changed from a quiet job to one where I always look over my shoulder.”

Brian Newland said he had to leave his “dream job” due to Afroman’s unfounded claims of pedophilia. Deputy Lisa Phillips cried on the stand over an explicit song questioning her gender and sexuality.

When asked about it, Afroman acknowledged Phillips’ upset, “just as I was when she stood in front of my kids with an AR-15.”

“But I’m not a person, she is,” Afroman commented. “So, sorry for being a victim, let’s discuss the predators.”

Afroman insisted deputies stole money during the raid. They confiscated cash, which Afroman claimed was for a performance, but returned it $400 short. The sheriff’s office cited a counting error, which Newland admitted on the stand.

The defense’s sole witness was Rhonda Grooms, a teacher and ex-wife of deputy Cooley. She testified that none of her students took the lyrics of Cardi B’s controversial song “WAP” literally.

David Osborne, Afroman’s lawyer, cited other explicit rap songs to argue that artists often exaggerate for entertainment. He pointed out that no one believes Lil Wayne’s “P***y Monster” contains an actual monster.

Osborne argued that Afroman’s songs were similar, with many terms being opinion rather than fact. For example, calling Sgt. Randy Walters a “son of a b***h,” is subjective, as Osborne noted.

“She’s been dead for years,” Walters replied, eliciting a chuckle and condolences from Osborne.

In closing statements, Osborne emphasized rap as a form of social commentary, noting that police and officials are often criticized online. He questioned what message a verdict against Afroman would send.

Viral moments put the case in the public eye

The trial’s surreal moments gained traction online: Afroman in his American-flag suit, discussions on lemon pound cake, and the defense lawyer’s mispronunciation of Cardi B’s name.

Commenters noted that the deputies inadvertently brought attention to the case. Many highlighted the irony of a privacy invasion case going viral, referencing the “Streisand effect.”

The “Lemon Pound Cake” video has 3.8 million views on YouTube, with top comments focusing on the trial.

“Shout out to the cops for making sure I saw this absolute bop!” reads a comment with over 8,000 likes.

Afroman, who performed roughly 250 shows last year, acknowledged the trial increased his follower count to nearly 600,000 on Instagram.

“All the publicity from the officers’ lawsuit is boosting my numbers,” he stated.