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Jury Rules Afroman's Videos Protected by First Amendment

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

A jury in Adams County, Ohio, ruled in favor of rapper Afroman in a civil case about deputies' likenesses used without permission.
The deputies said Afroman's videos mocked their actions during a 2022 raid, and Afroman argued his conduct was protected First Amendment expression.
Cooley v. Foreman has First Amendment implications and could set precedent for how public officials face criticism, with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) backing Afroman.

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Story summary

A jury in Adams County, Ohio, ruled in favor of rapper Afroman in a civil case about deputies' likenesses used without permission.
The deputies said Afroman's videos mocked their actions during a 2022 raid, and Afroman argued his conduct was protected First Amendment expression.
Cooley v. Foreman has First Amendment implications and could set precedent for how public officials face criticism, with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) backing Afroman.