Joe Budden Charged with Lewdness After Neighbor Alleges Rapper Stood 'Completely Naked' in Apartment Hallway

Mar. 15, 2025

Joe Budden in New York City in August 2021.Photo:Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Joe Buddenhas been charged with lewdness after an incident in his apartment building.

Officials arrived on the scene after they were informed of the alleged incident around 7:21 a.m., when Budden’s neighbor called in the report. According to the resident, theJoe Budden Podcasthost was seen “attempting to enter a code into the door keypad several times before reentering his own residence across the hall.”

Joe Budden in Los Angeles in October 2019.Phillip Faraone/Getty

Phillip Faraone/Getty

The “Pump It Up” emcee was then charged with lewdness “on a complaint summons.” In the press release, Edgewater Police Department Chief Donald A. Martin asserts “these charges are merely accusations,” adding that Budden “is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The formerLove & Hip-Hop: New Yorkstar will appear in court later this month, the police department told PEOPLE.

Reps for Budden did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

TheDec. 29 episode of Budden’s podcastwas not filmed in its usual setting of his apartment, and he claimed the local government no longer allows people to “film anything in any of those buildings.”

He then appeared to speak about the apartment incident. “I just sleepwalked somewhere that I shouldn’t have sleepwalked. That’s what happened,” said the host, noting that he sleeps “butt-ass” naked.

“I did it again,” added Budden. “Nobody could go through this stuff but me. It’s only me… So, you gotta deal with what comes with that.”

Joe Budden in July 2019.John Lamparski/Getty

John Lamparski/Getty

source: people.com