Joe Budden Charged After Found ‘Completely Naked’ at NJ Apartments

Rapper and podcaster Joe Budden has been charged with lewdness after a neighbor reported seeing him naked on their doorbell camera. The incident occurred on December 4 at Budden’s apartment complex in Edgewater, New Jersey. Newsweek reached out to a representative for Budden by email for comment. Who Is Joe Budden? Budden, 44, known for his hit single “Pump It Up” and as a former member of the hip-hop group Slaughterhouse, has transitioned into a successful podcasting career with The Joe Budden Podcast. He has two children and has been open about past struggles with substance abuse. Joe Budden in New York City on April 25, 2022. The rapper and podcaster was charged with lewdness in New Jersey. Joe Budden in New York City on April 25, 2022. The rapper and podcaster was charged with lewdness in New Jersey. AP Photo What To Know Budden’s neighbor called the police after they allegedly saw him through a doorbell camera standing unclothed outside their front door, attempting to enter a code on the keypad around 7:21 a.m. on December 4. After several unsuccessful attempts, Budden returned to his apartment, Edgewater Police said Monday in a news release. Budden seemingly addressed this incident on his podcast two weeks ago, telling his cohosts, “I just sleptwalked somewhere I shouldn’t have sleptwalked. You know how I sleep: butta** nice naked. Good, naked sleepwalking. I just did it again.” “Nobody could go through this stuff but me. It’s only me. So you gotta deal with what comes with that. You would’ve never guessed it,” he added. He also addressed his previous absence from his podcast in a December 10 post on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “No need for think pieces guys, I’m dealing with a personal family matter, pls allow me to do so personally. Super grateful to each member of the crew for holding it down in my absence, thank you.” This is not the first time Budden has faced legal issues. In 2012, he spent a night in jail over a $75 parking ticket, causing him to miss a Slaughterhouse concert. In 2014, Budden turned himself in to police over allegations of assault and theft involving his girlfriend, but all charges were later dismissed. Budden has also been open about overcoming addiction to PCP and MDMA and now speaks out against drug use. What People Are Saying Edgewater Police Chief Donald A. Martin, in a news release: “These charges are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” What Happens Next Budden has a court date set in Edgewater on January 16 at 3 p.m. Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com