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Cardi B is facing a lawsuit from a woman who says she was injured after the rapper threw a microphone into the crowd during a performance in Las Vegas in July 2023.
A woman identified in legal filings as Jane Doe claims the incident took place while she was at Cardi B's performance at Drai's Beachclub in Clark County, Nevada. The complaint notes that this was her first solo trip to Vegas.
During the performance, which took place in extreme heat, Cardi reportedly told the audience to splash her with water to cool her down. In a viral video from the event, the rapper can be heard saying, "Splash me down. That s--- feel good. Put that s--- in my p----y, bitch. Come on."
Doe says Cardi encouraged the crowd to throw water by both her words and actions. She claims the artist poured water on herself and reacted playfully when fans splashed her. Acting in line with what others were doing, Doe says she splashed a small amount of her drink in Cardi's direction.
Moments later, she says Cardi "suddenly and forcefully" threw her microphone, hitting her directly. The complaint states that the impact caused physical injury and emotional distress. "What has been written off as a joke by many people is actually a traumatic experience that has significantly impacted my well-being and quality of life,"
Doe said in a statement shared with People. "I am seeking justice in the hopes of holding Cardi B accountable for her misdeeds, as no celebrity is above the law."
Doe is also suing Drai's Management Group, saying the venue should have been aware of Cardi's behaviour. The lawsuit mentions another incident from the night before, where Cardi allegedly threw a mic at a DJ whose set wasn't going as planned.
After the July 29 incident, Doe was reportedly escorted out of the venue by security personnel. The microphone was later auctioned off for nearly $99,000, which Doe claims made the situation worse by adding to her humiliation and emotional distress.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department launched a criminal investigation but later closed the case due to "insufficient evidence."
Cardi B's lawyer, Drew Findling, called the lawsuit "a transparent and pitiful attempted financial shakedown." He added, "The opportunity to try to make money off of a celebrity was too much for some willing law firm to pass up."
Doe is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for assault, battery, negligence, and emotional suffering.