Bergen County Podcaster Joe Budden Sued By Neighbors Who Say He Exposed Self In Hallway

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Two Bergen County condominium owners are suing their downstairs neighbor Joe Budden — a rapper and podcaster — saying that he exposed himself in a common hallway and caused disruptions in the building with his podcast.

Plaintiffs John and Yuliya Aksoy filed suit March 19 in Bergen County Superior Court against Budden, as well as the Joe Budden Network, the Edgewater Glass House Condominium Association, and other parties.

They say they are attempting "to redress a persistent pattern of misconduct, harassment and selective enforcement of the rules and regulations governing the Edgewater Glass House Condominium, where they reside." They also say the "case arises from the unauthorized commercial operation of a podcast studio in a residential unit directly below Plaintiffs’ residence, which causes persistent noise disturbances and other disruptions."

Budden's lawyer said Wednesday that Budden already beat a related criminal charge in court.

"This lawsuit simply fails to reconcile allegations with reality," said attorney Nima Ameri on Wednesday. "The court made very specific findings that in fact exonerated Mr. Budden, in our opinion, both civilly and criminally. Yet these individuals chose to file what we think is frivolous pleadings more centered around a media campaign the meritorious legal positions."

Own Two Units

In 2019, the Aksoys say, they bought and combined two units in the 107-unit complex, so they could live there with their three young children.

In 2022, Budden began his podcast in the unit below theirs, they say.

"The Edgewater Glass House Condominium Association and its board have failed to uphold community standards and have instead engaged in acts of retaliation that have caused significant harm to Plaintiffs’ rights, safety and the quiet enjoyment of their home," they say in the suit.

Allegations

The Aksoys allege the following in their lawsuit:

• Budden and other defendants have "escalated their misconduct by intentionally provoking and harassing Plaintiffs during recordings of The Joe Budden Podcast."
• On Oct. 19 of last year, Budden and podcast cohosts "created an excessive disturbance by playing extremely loud music and sound effects, including simulated gunshots, sirens and foghorns for nearly eight minutes."
• They say the use of the unit for podcasts "also results in excessive foot traffic within the Condominium, creating additional disruptions, and has led to direct confrontations between residents and podcast staff and guests."
• Budden and his associates have smoked cannabis in common areas and even deliberately near the plaintiffs' terrace, the couple charges. The plaintiffs say their 6-year-old daughter "has experienced health issues due to the smoke exposure."
• After the couple complained to the condo board, a board member and Budden "conspired to fabricate a baseless allegation against Plaintiff Yuliya Aksoy, falsely claiming that she made racially charged remarks," the suit says.

They say that in an "egregious incident" on Dec. 4, Budden tried to enter the Aksoys' residence naked, "terrifying Plaintiffs and their minor children." They say the incident was caught on their Ring camera.

Injunction For Photos

Since the filing of the suit, the photos were shared on TMZ, prompting Budden's attorney, Nima Ameri of Hackensack, to file on March 28 for an injunction against distribution of the photos to the media, alleging that they were distorted and that the purpose of including them was to harm Budden's reputation.

Budden himself had argued that he was sleepwalking during the December incident, according to media reports.

The judge granted temporary restraints in advance of a hearing regarding the order set for May 2.

On Tuesday, the Aksoys' attorney, Thomas Mirigliano of New York City, sent a letter to Bergen County Superior Court Judge Anthony Suarez, asking to clarify the temporary order, and whether if he and his clients are forbidden from discussing the lawsuit.

"We are compelled to respectfully note that Defendant Joseph Budden’s moving papers are replete with substantive deficiencies," he wrote, "including references to unrelated parties and litigation, the inclusion of immaterial, incorrect or baseless factual assertions, and a complete lack of legal authority supporting the extraordinary relief requested."

He said his clients intend to respond to the order by the May 2 deadline, but "It is essential that all parties understand the precise contours of the Order to avoid unnecessary disputes or inadvertent noncompliance."