Cardi B Sued After Mic Throwing Incident
Cardi B, 2019. Photo courtesy of Frank Schwichtenberg under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Cardi B's 2023 Las Vegas concert became an unforgettable moment for reasons no one expected. On a scorching July night at Drai's Beachclub, the rapper invited her fans to splash water on her to cool off. What happened next turned into a legal drama that has captured public attention. A woman, identified as Jane Doe, claims she was struck by a microphone Cardi B allegedly threw in retaliation, as reported by PEOPLE. The microphone itself later sold for nearly $99,000, adding an extraordinary twist to the controversy.
A Heated Night at Drai's Beachclub
The stage was set for a high-energy performance. Cardi B, known for her fearless stage presence and candid fan interactions, was battling the intense heat of Las Vegas. To cool down, Cardi B encouraged the crowd to throw water on her, saying, "splash me down. That s--- feel good," according to PEOPLE. Videos from the concert show her telling the audience to splash water on her and to put it in intimate places, moments that became widely shared and talked about.
According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe responded to Cardi B's invitation by splashing a small amount of her drink toward the rapper. The complaint says Doe acted consistently with the environment and other attendees, following Cardi B's explicit encouragement. What followed, the lawsuit alleges, was a sudden and forceful throw of the microphone by Cardi B directed at Doe, which made physical contact and caused injury. Doe claims the act was retaliatory and unprovoked, leading to a civil suit accusing Cardi B of assault, battery, and negligence, according to Entertainment Weekly.
The Lawsuit That Rocked Vegas
Filed in Clark County, Nevada, the lawsuit details the incident and its aftermath. Jane Doe, reportedly on her first solo trip to Las Vegas, alleges that Cardi B's invitation to splash water was an implicit authorization for light splashing, a common practice among concertgoers trying to beat the heat. Doe says she acted in accordance with the environment and other attendees when she splashed a small portion of her drink toward the stage.
The complaint states that Cardi B then suddenly and forcefully threw her microphone at Doe, making physical contact. Doe alleges this contact was offensive and unconsented, causing her physical pain as well as emotional distress, shock, humiliation, and reputational harm. The lawsuit also points out that Doe's emotional distress worsened after the microphone was auctioned off, which she says intensified her suffering, as reported by PEOPLE.
The Microphone's Unexpected Fame
Adding a surreal layer to the story, the microphone Cardi B allegedly threw at Doe became a highly sought-after item. It was auctioned off for an astonishing $99,000, turning a heated moment on stage into a bizarre collector's piece. This sale has fueled the lawsuit's claims, with Doe arguing that the auction magnified her distress and public humiliation.
This development highlights the strange intersection of celebrity culture and legal conflict. What began as a fiery concert moment has evolved into a spectacle where a piece of memorabilia carries the weight of a personal injury claim and emotional turmoil.
Law Enforcement's Decision
Despite the civil suit's serious allegations, law enforcement closed the criminal investigation into the incident two years ago, citing insufficient evidence to charge Cardi B. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Clark County District Attorney's Office chose not to pursue criminal battery charges, effectively ending the official inquiry.
Cardi B's attorney, Drew Findling, dismissed the lawsuit, calling it "a transparent and pitiful attempted financial shakedown," as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
The Venue's Alleged Negligence
The lawsuit also names Drai's Beachclub, alleging negligence by the venue. It references a similar incident the night before, when Cardi B reportedly threw her microphone at a DJ who was cutting her songs short. The complaint claims Drai's should have been aware of Cardi B's foreseeable risk of repeat violent conduct and failed to take steps to prevent harm, according to the court filing reviewed by Entertainment Weekly.
This allegation raises questions about the responsibilities of venues in managing artist behavior during high-energy performances and whether Drai's could have prevented the incident.
Cardi B's Bold Persona
This lawsuit is not the first time Cardi B has made headlines for her fiery temperament and unfiltered interactions with fans. The rapper has a history of confronting critics and fans alike with bluntness that both captivates and divides. From expletive-filled rants defending her style to shutting down rumors about her personal life, Cardi B's public image is as bold as her music.
Her recent split from rapper Offset and new relationship with NFL star Stefon Diggs have kept her in the spotlight, but this mic-throwing scandal adds a new chapter to her complex public story. It's a reminder that behind the glitz and success, the pressures of fame can spark moments of volatility that echo far beyond the stage.
What Lies Ahead?
As the civil case moves forward, all eyes will be on the courtroom drama that promises to reveal more about the incident, the people involved, and the fine line between performance and personal boundaries. Will Cardi B's defense withstand the allegations? Can Jane Doe prove the physical and emotional impact she claims?
One thing is clear: this story has all the elements of a modern celebrity saga — heat, drama, legal battles, and a microphone that became more than just a musical tool. It's a vivid reminder that in the world of fame, even a splash of water can create waves of controversy.
References: Cardi B sued by woman allegedly hit in mic-throwing incident | Cardi B Sued for Alleged Battery by Woman After Throwing Microphone Off Stage at 2023 Performance | Cardi B sued by woman she allegedly struck with microphone
