Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B resolved a year-old criminal case stemming from a pair of altercations at New York City strip clubs by pleading guilty on Thursday in a deal requiring her to perform 15 days of community service. Required.
The “WAP” singer, 29, agreed to a conditional discharge while her case was pending, saying in a statement: “Part of growing up and becoming an adult is being accountable for your actions.”
Cardi B, a New York City native whose real name is Belcallis Almanazar, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges related to the August 2018 fights. Ten other counts, including two felonies, were dismissed. Two co-accused also confessed.
According to prosecutors, Cardi B and her accomplice were targeting employees at the Angels strip club in Flushing, Queens, over a personal dispute.
In one fight, chairs, bottles and hookah pipes were thrown as the group argued with the bartender. He and another employee suffered minor injuries.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement that no one is above the law. “By pleading guilty today, Ms. Belcales Almanazar and two co-defendants accept responsibility for their actions. This office is satisfied with the resolution, which includes appropriate community service.”
In 2019, Cardi B rejected a plea deal that would have given her conditional discharge. Prosecutors then presented the case to a grand jury and obtained an indictment that included two felony charges.
“I’ve made some bad decisions in my past that I’m not afraid to face and face,” Cardi B said, adding that she wants to set a good example for her two children.
“These moments don’t define me and they don’t reflect who I am now,” he added. “I’m looking forward to getting through this with my family and friends and getting back to the things I love most – music and my fans.”
Cardi B’s chart-topping hits include “I Like It” and the Maroon 5 collaboration “Girls Like You.”