Falcons Superfan ‘Birdlady’ Arrested Amid Tailgate Controversy

Falcons Superfan ‘Birdlady’ Arrested Amid Tailgate Controversy

Carolyn “Birdlady” Freeman, a well-known figure among Atlanta Falcons fans, found herself in an unexpected and unwelcome spotlight on November 3rd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Freeman, a season-ticket holder and local celebrity, is famous for her elaborate Birdlady costume, complete with white feathers, red and black trim, shiny silver gloves, and long white boots. Her signature “hooty-hoo” cheer has been a staple at Falcons games for years. However, this time, the attention she received was far from celebratory.

During the second quarter of the game, stadium security approached Freeman in her third-row seat in Section 116 and escorted her out. She was subsequently arrested and taken to the Atlanta Police precinct inside the stadium before being transferred to the Fulton County Jail. The charge? Felony theft by deception. On January 9th, District Attorney Fani T. Willis filed a single-count accusation against Freeman, which is akin to an indictment but does not involve a grand jury.

This legal drama stems from a tailgate party that went awry, leaving disgruntled football fans feeling deceived. Freeman is accused of collecting over $14,000 for services she allegedly failed to deliver. This marks the first criminal case against her after years of public complaints. In interviews with ESPN, Freeman insisted that the situation was a misunderstanding, attributing the issues to exhaustion and health problems. She maintained that her intentions were good and denied any fraudulent activity.

Freeman’s Birdlady Cares Inc. nonprofit status had lent credibility to her business and charitable endeavors. However, a complaint filed with the IRS alleges that Freeman misused this status for fraudulent purposes, a claim she denies. The Falcons have remained tight-lipped about the case, but Freeman mentioned receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the team regarding unauthorized use of their trademarked logo and images. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has suspended her season pass and seat-license privileges due to the in-stadium arrest.

The Criminal Case

The charges against Freeman revolve around a tailgate party planned for a September 22nd prime-time game between the Falcons and the Kansas City Chiefs. Chiefs fans Tammy Southwood and Catherine Baskett-Cook had contacted Freeman to organize an event for hundreds of fellow fans. Freeman proposed a range of services, including a decorated event space, food and beverages, live entertainment, and even a “surprise celebrity guest performance.”

After signing a contract, the Chiefs fans transferred $14,000 to Freeman through various payment providers. However, on game day, the venue was devoid of any preparations, leaving fans in a deserted lot. Despite repeated assurances from Freeman that she was on her way, she never showed up, prompting ticket holders to demand refunds.

Baskett-Cook and Southwood, listed as witnesses in the court action, cited emails indicating preparations would begin at noon. Yet, by the 3 p.m. start time, there was no sign of Freeman or the promised party supplies. Freeman later claimed she arrived at the tailgate after the fans had left, citing various excuses for her tardiness.

Previous Allegations

This isn’t the first time Freeman has faced complaints. The Georgia Sea Hawkers, a Seattle Seahawks fan group, had a similar experience in 2017 when Freeman failed to deliver on promises for a tailgate party. Despite paying thousands of dollars, the event was a disappointment, with no food, liquor, or Freeman in sight.

Freeman’s background is also under scrutiny. Her LinkedIn page lists various credentials and work experiences, but some claims, such as certifications from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the FBI National Academy Associates, have been disputed by the respective organizations.

Freeman’s Response

Freeman has vowed to fight the charges and clear her name. She has been represented by a public defender since her arrest and has yet to secure a private attorney. Despite the legal challenges, Freeman remains defiant, insisting that she has always acted with good intentions.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the Birdlady’s once-celebrated status in Atlanta has taken a significant hit. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for fans and organizers alike, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in business dealings.

• Freeman’s arrest has sparked discussions about fan culture and the responsibilities of superfans.
• The case raises questions about the use of nonprofit status for business purposes.
• Freeman’s background and credentials are under scrutiny, adding another layer to the controversy.

As the Falcons continue their season, the absence of the Birdlady in Section 116 is a stark reminder of the ongoing legal battle. Whether Freeman can reclaim her place among the Falcons faithful remains to be seen.