Cardi B sued for assault over viral mic-throwing incident in Las Vegas

Fan Files Lawsuit Against Cardi B Over Mic-Throwing Incident

Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, is facing a new legal battle in 2025 over a viral incident from her July 29, 2023, performance at Drai’s Beachclub in Las Vegas. An Ohio woman, filing as Jane Doe, has sued the “Bodak Yellow” star for assault, battery, and negligence. Thus, alleging she was struck by a microphone Cardi threw into the crowd after being splashed with a drink. The lawsuit was filed on July 21, in Clark County, Nevada. It has reignited debates about fan-artist interactions, concert safety, and Cardi’s fiery persona.

The Incident: A Viral Moment at Drai’s Beachclub

On July 29 in 2023, Cardi B was performing at Drai’s Beachclub during a scorching Las Vegas day, with temperatures reaching 112°F. According to court documents, the rapper, battling the heat, encouraged fans to “splash water on her” to cool down. As a result, reportedly saying, “Wooh, that s— feel good,” and pouring water over herself while striking poses. Multiple attendees complied, tossing small amounts of liquid toward the stage. Jane Doe, a Cleveland resident on her first solo trip to Las Vegas, alleges she joined in. Therefore, splashing a “small portion” of her drink in Cardi’s direction, consistent with the crowd’s actions.

However, the mood shifted when a splash hit Cardi in the face during her performance of “Bodak Yellow.” Video footage went viral across platforms like X and TikTok. It shows Cardi reacting with visible anger. Therefore, hurling her microphone into the crowd and shouting, “I said splash my p—y, not my face, b—!” The mic allegedly struck Jane Doe, causing “physical pain, emotional distress, humiliation, and reputational damage,” according to the 16-page complaint obtained by Rolling Stone. Another angle of the footage shows a woman, believed to be Doe, apologizing repeatedly, saying, “I’m sorry,” as security intervened.

The incident wasn’t isolated. The night before, July 28, 2023, Cardi allegedly threw a microphone at a DJ for cutting her songs short, an event cited in the lawsuit to argue that Drai’s Management Group should have anticipated her “foreseeable risk of repeat violent conduct.” The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the fan incident but closed the case in August 2023. Therefore, citing “insufficient evidence” for criminal charges.

The Lawsuit: Assault, Battery, and Negligence Claims

Filed just days before Nevada’s two-year statute of limitations expired, the lawsuit names Cardi B and Drai’s Management Group as defendants. Jane Doe claims the microphone strike caused immediate physical injury and lasting emotional trauma. Therefore, exacerbated by the incident’s viral spread and the subsequent auction of the microphone for $99,900 on eBay. The auction, with proceeds donated to the Wounded Warrior Project and Friendship Circle Las Vegas, added “insult to injury,” according to Doe. She says the publicity intensified her distress.

The complaint accuses Cardi of “unreasonable escalation” and “intentional and offensive contact.” Therefore, meeting Nevada’s criteria for civil battery under NRS 200.481. It also claims assault, alleging Cardi’s actions placed Doe in “reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm.” Against Drai’s, the lawsuit argues negligence, asserting the venue failed to supervise Cardi’s performance adequately, especially given the prior DJ incident. Doe seeks up to $15,000 in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages, citing Cardi’s “intentional malice” under NRS 42.005.

Cardi’s attorney, Drew Findling, dismissed the lawsuit as a “transparent and pitiful attempted financial shakedown,” noting that police found no basis for charges in 2023. “The opportunity to try to make money off a celebrity was too much for some willing law firm to pass up,” Findling told Entertainment Weekly. Doe’s attorneys, Cierra N. Norris and Thomas N. Beckom, countered in yesterday’s press conference, with Doe stating, “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.”

Fan Reactions: A Divided Community on X

The lawsuit has sparked intense debate among fans on X. Therefore, reflecting the polarized views on Cardi’s actions and the broader issue of fan-artist interactions. Supporters argue Cardi acted in self-defense. Thus, citing the growing trend of fans throwing objects at performers. “That lady threw a drink first. Cardi was just protecting herself,” posted @ReadMedia yesterday. Others referenced the context. Thus, noting Cardi’s explicit request for water. “She asked for it, then got mad when it hit her face. Use your words, Cardi!” wrote @TwistedKarmic.

Critics of the lawsuit question its validity, pointing out the lack of criminal charges and Doe’s participation in the splashing. “How you gonna sue after throwing water at her? That’s on you,” commented @BuzzingPop. However, others sympathize with Doe, especially after reports suggested the mic may have hit the wrong person. “Cardi hit the wrong fan. That’s a lawsuit waiting to happen,” posted @JAESREVENGE, sharing a slow-motion clip showing a woman in white, not the drink-thrower, being struck. @bluntsntattoos added, “The girl who threw the drink dodged it, and someone else got hit. Messy.”

The viral nature of the footage, viewed millions of times, has fueled harassment of Doe, who uses a pseudonym due to “psychiatric trauma” and fear of backlash. “The internet dragged her, and now she’s suing. I get the trauma, but this feels like a cash grab,” one X user noted. Conversely, supporters of Doe argue the emotional toll is real, with one post reading, “Cardi’s a star, but throwing a mic isn’t a joke. That could’ve seriously hurt someone.” The auction of the mic, which Cardi retweeted with the caption “Jealous Ass B—,” referencing her song with Offset, further inflamed tensions, with fans split on whether it trivialized the incident.

Cardi’s Response and Context in Her Career

Cardi addressed the incident in a 2023 livestream, defending her reaction: “When water and ice get thrown in your face and hit you mad hard, then you can tell me what you would do in my shoes.” She retweeted the viral clip with “Jealous Ass B—,” tying it to her single “Jealousy” with Offset, released shortly after. Her team has not commented publicly on the 2025 lawsuit, but Findling’s statement suggests a robust defense, likely arguing that Doe’s actions provoked Cardi’s response.

The lawsuit comes at a critical juncture for Cardi, who is preparing to release her sophomore album, Am I The Drama?, on September 19, 2025, her first since 2018’s Invasion of Privacy. Featuring hits like “WAP,” “Up,” and “Outside,” the album has already sold over a million copies in pre-orders, per HotNewHipHop. The legal drama, coupled with breakup rumors involving NFL star Stefon Diggs, keeps Cardi in the headlines, amplifying her polarizing persona. Her history of legal battles, including a 2022 plea deal for a strip club assault and a $22 million defamation win against YouTuber Tasha K in February 2025, suggests she’s no stranger to courtrooms.