Afroman has sued one of the Ohio police officers who raided his home in August 2022, just over four months after winning a major jury verdict against them. The rapper filed the lawsuit against former deputy Brian K. Newland in the Court of Common Pleas in Adams County, Ohio, on Monday, July 27th.
Newland is one of seven officers who sued Afroman for defamation and invasion of privacy after he used home security footage in music videos mocking them for the failed raid. In a victory for freedom of speech, an Ohio jury found Afroman not liable for any of the claims filed against him.
The Lawsuit
In Afroman’s complaint, he alleges Newland’s defamation lawsuit was “malicious prosecution” that “lacked legal merit” and was meant only to “harass” him. It is currently unknown why Afroman is targeting Newland rather than all seven officers involved in the original suit. He did, however, release a song called “Brian Newland Is a Flag</strong)” a few months ago, accusing the officer of having “sex with a minor.”
“Plaintiff suffered emotional distress, anxiety and reputational harm as a result of defendant’s frivolous lawsuit,” the legal filing reads. “Defendant’s conduct in filing and prosecuting the frivolous lawsuit was willful, wanton and malicious.”
Afroman is seeking a minimum of $25,000 in legal bills and other expenses that he attributes to the lawsuit.
Background
Ohio county sheriff’s deputies conducted an armed raid on Afroman’s property in August 2022 on unfounded suspicions of drug trafficking and kidnapping. Though they seized $5,031 in cash and other property, no wrongdoing was found, and no charges were ever filed.
In retaliation, Afroman utilized his own surveillance camera footage to release several music videos aimed at the officers, including one called “Lemon Pound Cake.”
Newland and six others (Shawn D. Cooley, Justin Cooley, Michael D. Estep, Shawn S. Grooms, Lisa Phillips, and Randolph L. Walters, Jr.) filed a lawsuit in 2023, claiming they suffered “emotional distress, embarrassment, ridicule, loss of reputation, and humiliation” as a result of the videos.
Freedom of Speech Victory
During the trial, Afroman stated he had a First Amendment right to mock the officers, saying, “All of this is their fault, and they have the audacity to sue me.” The jury cleared him of all charges after just hours of deliberation.
Earlier this year, the “Because I Got High” rapper celebrated his legal victory by releasing a new album, Freedom of Speech, which fittingly dropped on April 20th.
Tour Dates
Afroman is currently on a US tour in support of the album through early December. Get tickets via Vivid Seats, where new customers can use promo code CONSEQUENCE20 to receive $20 off their first order of $200 or more.
The Afroman 2026 Tour Dates are as follows:
08/03 — Paducah, KY @ Carson Center for the Performing Arts
08/03 — Jonesboro, AR @ Brickhouse Bar & Grill
08/04 — Texarkana, AR @ The Wild hare
08/05 — Tyler, TX @ Bricks Bar & Grill
08/06 — Austin, TX @ Pershing Hall
08/07 — Fort Worth, TX @ Tannahill’s Music Hall & Lounge
08/08 — Fort Worth, TX @ The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
08/09 — Houston, TX @ House of Blues
08/10 — Ardmore, OK @ Station Sports Bar & Grill
08/10 — Duncan, OK @ Kochendorger Brewing
08/11 — Newton, KS @ Moxie Community Pub
08/12 — Norfolk, NE @ District Event Center
08/15 — Janesville, WI @ TBA
08/21 — Upper Sandusky, OH @ Route 30 Rodeo @ Wyandot County Fairgrounds
08/22 — Raleigh, NC @ The Yard at Bowstring
08/28 — Boonsboro, MD @ The Hall
08/29 — Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Casino
09/05 — Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom
09/06 — Louisville, KY @ East Tennessee Distillery
09/11 — Westchester Township, OH @ Lori’s Roadhouse
09/18 — Davenport, IA @ Capitol Theatre
09/19 — Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest
10/01 — Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom
10/02 — Paw Paw, MI @ Warner Vineyards
10/03 — Wyandotte, MI @ District 142
10/10 — Lorain, OH @ Lorain Palace Theater
10/17 — Wyandotte, MI @ The Pantheon at Caesars Virginia
10/30 — Orlando, FL @ The Vanguard
11/04 — Philadelphia, PA @ TBA
12/04 — Fontana, CA @ TBA
12/05 — Los Angeles, CA @ Whisky A Go Go
In conclusion, Afroman’s lawsuit against Brian K. Newland is a significant development in the ongoing saga between the rapper and the Ohio police officers who raided his home. With his Freedom of Speech tour underway and a new album out, Afroman continues to assert his right to free speech and creative expression, even in the face of adversity.
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