Cardi B appeared in New York court Thursday (Sept. 15) and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges stemming from a 2018 bottle-throwing incident at a Queens strip club, resulting in a sentence of 15 days community service.
During the hearing, the rapper (real name Belcalis Almánzar) pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts, one for assault and another for reckless endangerment. The original indictment included 12 charges, including two felonies; under a plea deal with prosecutors, the 10 remaining counts were dismissed.
“Part of growing up and maturing is being accountable for your actions,” Cardi B said in a statement. “As a mother, it’s a practice that I am trying to instill in my children, but the example starts with me. I’ve made some bad decisions in my past that I am not afraid to face and own up to. These moments don’t define me and they are not reflective of who I am now. I’m looking forward to moving past this situation with my family and friends and getting back to the things I love the most — the music and my fans.”
Two other co-defendants who allegedly took part in the incident also pleaded guilty at Thursday’s hearing.
In a statement following the plea, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “No one is above the law. In pleading guilty today, Ms. Belcalis Almanzar and two co-defendants have accepted responsibility for their actions. This Office is satisfied with the resolution, which includes appropriate community service.”
In September 2018, Cardi B and eight members of her entourage turned themselves in to police to face charges over the incident, which occurred in August 2018 at Angels Strip Club in Flushing, Queens. At the time, a police spokesman told Billboard that the incident involved nine suspects allegedly throwing chairs and bottles at two bartenders at the club.
