Rapper Cardi B wearing a white Proenza Schouler dress paired with Christian Louboutin heels today (September 15, 2022) plead guilty to two misdemeanors for her part in the 2018 assault of sisters Sarah and Rachel Wattley while they were bartending at Angels NYC, a strip club in Queens. Part of the scheme included paying $5,000 to an associate through Instagram to help her confront the sisters, one of whom was rumored to be involved with Cardi’s husband Offset.
As part of her plea, Cardi agreed to 15 days of community service, as well as a three-year order of protection for the victims.
Prosecutors said that on two separate nights in August 2018, Cardi (real name Belcalis Almánzar) arrived with a group at Angels NYC at 3:00 AM EST. On the first occasion, members of the group struck one of the sisters, pulled her hair and slammed her head into the bar. The group returned two weeks later and threw alcohol and bottles at the first victim’s sister, who was also bartending.
Cardi’s lawyers worked out a plea deal prior to the trial, which was set to begin today. As part of her plea, which covered one count of third-degree assault and one count of second-degree reckless endangerment, the rapper was made to confirm details of the fights in court, which she did in hushed tones. Cardi’s partners in crime, Tawana Jackson-Morel and Jeffrey Bush, also plead guilty. Jackson-Morel will serve community service and Bush will serve six months in prison.
Her partners in crime, Tawana Jackson-Morel and Jeffrey Bush, also plead guilty. Bush will serve six months in prison.
“Part of growing up and maturing is being accountable for your actions,” Cardi said in a statement following the hearing. “As a mother, it’s a practice that I am trying to instill in my children, but the example starts with me.”
The statement added, “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.”
A statement was also issued by Queens district attorney Melinda Katz: “No one is above the law. In pleading guilty today, Ms. Belcalis Almanzar and two co-defendants have accepted responsibility for their actions.”
Check out video of Cardi leaving the courthouse below.
Cardi said nothing when she walked out. Her attorney said the mother of 2 wants to put this 2018 incident behind her. She also did not want to deal w/the media circus that a trial would have sparked. Cardi will have to complete 15 days of community service in Queens. @NBCNewYork pic.twitter.com/FKXT0KtnJ1
— Melissa Colorado (@melissacolorado) September 15, 2022
