Hannibal Buress settles his lawsuit against the Miami Police Department for $200,000, closing the case stemming from his controversial 2017 arrest.

Buress Finalizes Settlement With Miami Police

December 12, 2025: Comedian Hannibal Buress has officially settled his lawsuit against the Miami Police Department for $200,000, resolving a long-running legal dispute tied to his highly publicized 2017 arrest. The settlement marks the end of an eight-year conflict that Buress has described as both unjust and mishandled by law enforcement.

The arrest, which went viral at the time, showed Buress handcuffed on a Miami street after asking an officer to call him an Uber — footage that sparked widespread criticism of the department.

A Case Rooted in Wrongful Arrest Claims

Buress sued the city for false arrest and violation of his civil rights, arguing that officers had no lawful reason to detain him. The comedian maintained that the arrest lacked probable cause and that officers escalated a harmless interaction into an unnecessary confrontation.

Miami officials did not admit wrongdoing as part of the settlement, but Buress’ legal team called the payment a “clear acknowledgment” of how poorly the situation was handled.

HOLR has the latest news on how celebrity civil rights cases continue shaping national conversations about policing.

Why the Viral Arrest Sparked Outrage

The 2017 footage — circulated across social media and major news outlets — captured Buress calmly questioning police as officers attempted to restrain him. At the time, many viewers felt the incident reflected unnecessary force and unprofessional conduct.

The moment also reignited national debates about policing Black individuals, even in low-level encounters.

Buress Says He’s Ready to Move Forward

In a recent statement, Buress said he accepted the settlement to close the chapter and focus on his work as a comedian, actor, and filmmaker. He emphasized that the case was about accountability rather than money and expressed hope that the outcome encourages improved training and conduct within the department.

Fans have praised him for standing firm and using his platform to highlight systemic issues.

Miami Police Responds to Settlement

The Miami Police Department released a brief statement confirming the agreement but declined to comment further. The department has faced increasing scrutiny over its handling of civilian interactions in recent years, with the Buress case being one of its most visible controversies.

HOLR notes that settlements like this often push departments to reassess procedures, even when they do not publicly admit fault.

A Reminder of the Power of Documentation

The incident remains a clear example of how viral video can alter public perception and influence legal outcomes. Without the footage, Buress’ claims may have faced greater challenges in court. Instead, the recording became a central piece of evidence throughout the lawsuit.

Closing a Long Chapter

With the settlement finalized, Hannibal Buress can officially move on from a case that followed him for nearly a decade. Supporters hope the resolution brings some measure of closure and sparks continued dialogue about police accountability.