Cardi B can’t hide emotions during court appearance
Rapper Cardi B couldn’t hide her emotions in Queens criminal court Friday morning, rolling her eyes, sticking out her tongue — and eventually leaving with arms raised when a judge released her without bail.
The rainbow-haired “I Like It” artist — clad in a broad-brimmed brown hat, a black fur-trimmed coat, black pants and black Christian Louboutin boots — arrived at court at 8:56 a.m., minutes before a 9 o’clock deadline, to face charges of reckless endangerment, third-degree assault and harassment over a fight at Angels Strip Club in Flushing on Aug. 29.
The rapper allegedly ordered her crew to attack bartending sisters Rachel Wattley, 21, and Sarah Wattley, 23, because she thought they’d slept with her estranged husband, rapper Offset. Cardi B then allegedly joined in the fracas herself by throwing a hookah and drinking glasses at the sisters.
During the Friday court appearance, prosecutors requested bail be set at $2,500 — prompting the performer to roll her eyes — but Queens Criminal Court Judge Scott Dunn denied the request, and instead released her on her own recognizance.
“Obviously the defendant is here, but judge, just like in any other case, bail is for the purpose of securing the defendant’s next appearance,” Queens Assistant District Attorney Ryan Nicolosi told Dunn, adding that Cardi B “appears to come when it is most convenient to her.”
Nicolosi said that while $2,500 “may seem inconsequential to the defendant, it’s important to note that if the defendant were to fail to appear next time, the people would be asking for the bail to be forfeit.”
The famed rapper stared intently at Nicolosi as he spoke.
Nicolosi also asked for two orders of protection for the Wattley sisters, which the judge granted, telling Cardi B she can’t have any contact with them — even on social media.
“Any contact will result in your arrest,” Dunn said.
Before releasing her without bail, Dunn told the rapper: “Based on the fact that you complied, it doesn’t lead me to believe you’re a flight risk.”
Cardi B appeared in a celebratory mood when she left the courtroom grinning. She also victoriously threw her hand in the air.
In the hallway of the courthouse, a fan yelled to the performer, “Congratulations, Cardi! … Good luck at the concert!”
Cardi B then asked the fan, “You gonna be there?” — to which he responded: “Yes, I am!”
The rapper is set to perform at Madison Square Garden on Friday night.
Her next court date in the case is scheduled for Jan. 31.
Cardi B skipped an appearance Monday and Dunn told her attorney that he could have the rapper arrested if she missed her next appearance.
“I want you to convey to her that it’s not acceptable that she’s not here today,” Dunn told lawyer Jeff Kern of his 26-year-old client. “You should inform her that if she doesn’t show up, that unless circumstances change, it’s very likely that the court will issue a bench warrant for her arrest.”
Kern told the judge that Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Almanzar, was too busy being a famous rap star to make Monday’s appearance.
“As you probably know, she is a fairly notable hip-hop artist. My client knew the date but there was a previously scheduled commitment for today and tomorrow,” Kern told Dunn.