Joe Budden is facing a civil lawsuit from two neighbors who accuse the podcast host of disruptive behavior and attempting to enter their home while naked.
The complaint, filed by John and Yuliya Aksoy, claims Budden and his Joe Budden Podcast co-host Melyssa Ford created excessive noise and smoked marijuana in shared condo spaces, making life difficult for other residents. The couple also alleges Budden retaliated against them for complaining to the condo association, describing the conflict as a “campaign of intimidation and retribution.”
One key incident cited in the suit occurred in December 2024, when Budden was seen on the Aksoys’ doorbell camera walking nude through the hallway around 7 a.m., pressing buttons on a keypad. The Aksoys claim he tried to enter their apartment and later downplayed the incident on his podcast.
The moment sparked a police investigation and a lewdness charge against Budden, who was ultimately cleared in court. A judge found no evidence of intent to harass or act inappropriately.
Earlier this year, Budden addressed the incident following a civil trial, explaining that he was sleepwalking — something he says he’s dealt with for years. He also alleged the couple had been targeting him with complaints and racial remarks, calling them “a racist couple.”
The lawsuit also accuses Budden of mocking the couple in a podcast episode from October 2024 that featured simulated gunfire and sirens, which the Aksoys believe were aimed at escalating tension. They claim Budden used the episode to insult Yuliya directly.
In response, Budden’s attorney, Nima Ameri, dismissed the claims. “This is a money grab attempt by a person we believe to be a racist,” Ameri told TMZ.
