Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, is as well-known for her music career as she is for her fiery personality and public altercations. Over the years, she has been involved in several high-profile disputes that often culminated in dramatic confrontations, including shoe-throwing incidents and physical fights with other women. These conflicts eventually led to her arrest, marking a significant moment in her tumultuous journey.
One of the most infamous incidents occurred during New York Fashion Week in September 2018 at the Harper’s Bazaar Icons party. Cardi B and fellow rapper Nicki Minaj were both in attendance when tensions that had been simmering between the two for months finally erupted. The altercation reached its peak when Cardi B, reportedly enraged by comments Nicki Minaj had made about her abilities as a mother, threw her shoe at Minaj. The incident quickly became headline news, with photos and videos of the scuffle spreading rapidly across social media. Cardi B was escorted out of the event, and the incident solidified her reputation for having a quick temper and a willingness to engage in public disputes.
This wasn’t the first time Cardi B had resorted to throwing a shoe during a confrontation. Earlier in her career, she had been involved in a similar incident on the reality TV show “Love & Hip Hop: New York,” where she threw a shoe at another cast member during a heated argument. These acts of aggression became a hallmark of her public persona, often overshadowing her musical achievements.
Cardi B’s history of physical altercations extended beyond the fashion and reality TV worlds. In August 2018, she was involved in a brawl at Angels Strip Club in Queens, New York. Cardi B allegedly ordered an attack on two bartenders, Jade and Baddie Gi, whom she believed were having an affair with her husband, rapper Offset. The altercation resulted in chairs, bottles, and hookah pipes being thrown, causing injuries to the bartenders. Cardi B was later charged with assault and reckless endangerment for her role in the incident.
The culmination of these violent incidents came in October 2018 when Cardi B surrendered to the New York City police. She was arrested and charged in connection with the strip club brawl. The charges included two misdemeanors for reckless endangerment and one misdemeanor for assault. Cardi B’s arrest marked a significant turning point in her public life, bringing her history of confrontations and aggressive behavior into sharper focus.
Despite these legal troubles, Cardi B continued to maintain a strong presence in the music industry. Her legal issues did not deter her from releasing new music or performing at major events. However, the repeated incidents of violence and public disputes have had a lasting impact on her reputation. While some fans admire her unapologetic and confrontational style, others view her actions as reckless and damaging.
Cardi B’s legal battles continued as she faced multiple court appearances related to the strip club incident. In 2019, she rejected a plea deal that would have granted her a conditional discharge in exchange for pleading guilty to one misdemeanor. Instead, she opted to fight the charges in court. The legal proceedings drew significant media attention, further intertwining her career with her legal issues.
Cardi B’s history of throwing shoes and fighting with other women ultimately underscores the complexities of her public persona. While she has achieved remarkable success in her music career, her aggressive behavior and legal troubles have also become a defining aspect of her story. Her arrest serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of her actions, highlighting the challenges she faces in balancing her public image with her personal conduct.