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 saga stems from allegations that Freeman collected over $14,000 for tailgate services she failed to deliver. The charges mark the first criminal case against Freeman after years of public complaints about her business dealings. In interviews with ESPN, Freeman insisted that the situation was a misunderstanding and that her intentions were good. She cited exhaustion and health issues as reasons for the customer dissatisfaction but denied any wrongdoing.

Freeman’s Birdlady Cares Inc. nonprofit status added credibility to her business and charitable endeavors, according to former clients. However, a complaint filed with the Internal Revenue Service accuses Freeman of abusing that status for fraudulent purposes, a claim she denies.

The Atlanta Falcons have remained tight-lipped about Freeman’s case. Freeman mentioned that the Falcons sent her a cease-and-desist letter regarding the unauthorized use of the team’s trademarked logo and images. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz Stadium cited her in-stadium arrest as the reason for suspending her season pass and seat license privileges.

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 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 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, there was no sign of Freeman or the promised preparations. The venue was described as “basically a deserted lot surrounded by a neighborhood,” according to Blair Quasnitschka, who purchased tailgate tickets from Freeman.

Southwood and Baskett-Cook, listed as witnesses in the court action, cited emails indicating preparations would begin around noon. But by the 3 p.m. start time, Freeman was still absent. Baskett-Cook contacted Freeman, who offered a series of excuses, including a broken trailer and a hospital stay the night before the game.

Despite repeated assurances from Freeman that she was on her way, she never arrived. Ticket holders began demanding refunds. Baskett-Cook eventually left for the game, sending Freeman a message declaring her in breach of contract. Reports later surfaced that Freeman was inside the stadium in full Birdlady regalia.

Freeman admitted to ESPN that she did appear at the stadium but claimed it was late in the game. She insisted she arrived at the tailgate venue after her clients had left and offered to throw another tailgate or let the Chiefs fans retrieve the items stored at her house.

Previous Allegations

Freeman’s legal troubles are not her first brush with controversy. The Seattle Seahawks fan group, the Georgia Sea Hawkers, had a similar experience in 2017. They hired Freeman to organize a tailgate for a Falcons-Seahawks playoff game. Despite promises of a venue, food, and entertainment, the event fell short, with fans left scrambling for supplies.

Freeman claimed the Sea Hawkers still owe the tailgate parking lot over $3,000 and that she only received a partial payment for the event. Without a contract, the Sea Hawkers had little legal recourse.

Freeman’s Background

Freeman’s background is a mix of fact and fiction. Born in 1959, she grew up in Forsyth, Georgia, and claims to have attended Mercer University. Her LinkedIn page lists various law enforcement roles, but some details don’t match official records. Freeman also claims to have survived a severe accident in 1987, leading to numerous surgeries and a long recovery.

Despite her challenges, Freeman became a prominent Falcons fan, earning the nickname “Birdlady.” She has been involved in charitable work, although some allegations suggest she failed to deliver on promises.

Looking Ahead

Freeman’s legal battle is ongoing, and she remains determined to clear her name. She has yet to secure a private attorney and is currently represented by a public defender. As the case unfolds, the Birdlady’s future as a Falcons superfan hangs in the balance.

• Freeman’s arrest has sparked discussions about fan accountability and the responsibilities of public figures.
• The case highlights the importance of contracts and clear communication in business dealings.
• Freeman’s story serves as a cautionary tale for fans and organizers alike.

As the Falcons continue their season, the absence of the Birdlady in Section 116 is a reminder of the complexities behind the fan experience. Whether Freeman can overcome these challenges and return to her beloved perch remains to be seen.