Joe Budden’s legal troubles stemming from a bizarre incident in December 2024 have officially been put to rest. The 44-year-old podcaster and former rapper recently discussed the dismissal of his disorderly lewdness charge during an episode of The Joe Budden Podcast.
The charges, which arose after a neighbor’s Ring camera captured Budden attempting to enter their apartment naked, were resolved in his favor. Budden shared details of his court appearance, expressing gratitude for the judge’s fairness and objectivity.
Budden praised the judge, saying, “She was fair, reasonable, heard all the testimony, was attentive, [and] wasn’t on no bullsh*t.” He recounted how the court reviewed the footage and concluded that his actions did not meet the legal definition of stalking or lewdness.
The judge reportedly clarified, “Mr. Budden was not erect. He was not masturbating. The one time that he touched his penis, he appeared to be trying to cover himself.” She further stated, “Mr. Budden was not trying to forcibly enter [the plaintiff’s apartment].”
The footage also suggested Budden may have been attempting to avoid urinating on himself rather than engaging in any inappropriate conduct. As a result, the charges of disorderly lewdness and stalking were dismissed.
Advice for the Future from Joe Budden
Despite the favorable outcome, the judge offered Budden a word of caution. “Mr. Budden, please take the necessary precautions to make sure that this never happens again,” she advised. Budden acknowledged this advice on his podcast and emphasized his commitment to preventing similar incidents.
The December 4, 2024, incident in Edgewater, New Jersey, sparked widespread attention after news broke weeks later. Fans and fellow rappers, including Maino and Jim Jones, poked fun at Budden, urging him to keep his clothes on in the future.
While the episode may have caused temporary embarrassment, Budden appears ready to move forward.