Los Angeles was abuzz today as Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, made a dramatic appearance at the Los Angeles County Courthouse in Alhambra, California, for a civil assault trial stemming from a 2018 incident. The “Bodak Yellow” hitmaker, known for her unfiltered personality and bold style, found herself at the center of a media frenzy when she threw a pen at a reporter who pressed her about persistent pregnancy rumors. The incident, captured on video, has gone viral, sparking widespread debate about Cardi’s fiery response, her ongoing legal battles, and the speculation surrounding her personal life. As the rapper navigates her high-profile divorce from Offset and a new romance with NFL star Stefon Diggs, her courtroom drama continues to captivate fans and critics alike.

A Tense Courtroom Exit

Cardi B arrived at the courthouse on September 3, 2025, dressed in a striking black and white polka-dot suit, her signature flair on full display with a vibrant red bow and a sleek black wig tied up in a chic updo. The rapper was in court to address a civil lawsuit filed by security guard Emani Ellis, who accused Cardi of assaulting her in February 2018 outside a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office. The trial, which has drawn significant attention due to Cardi’s viral testimony and bold courtroom demeanor, reached a boiling point as she exited the courthouse during a lunch break.

As Cardi made her way to her waiting SUV, surrounded by security and a small crowd of fans, a reporter shouted a provocative question about rumors that she is pregnant with her fourth child, allegedly with her ex-husband, Offset. “Cardi, insiders are claiming Offset is publicly bragging about getting you pregnant for the fourth time. Do you foresee any paternity issues with Stefon Diggs?” the reporter asked, referencing her current relationship with the NFL wide receiver. The question clearly struck a nerve, and Cardi, visibly irritated, grabbed a marker pen from a nearby fan seeking an autograph and hurled it toward the reporter.

“Stop disrespecting me!” Cardi snapped, her voice laced with frustration. “Do you see women asking those types of questions? Why do you feel, as a man, you get to ask me that? Act like you have some manners!” She continued to chastise the reporter as her bodyguard ushered her into the vehicle, adding, “Y’all are not going to see me after this, and you can thank him for that. I was being nice, but nobody’s getting that no more.” The reporter, undeterred, shouted back, “I still love you even though you threw stuff at me!” but Cardi remained unfazed, slamming the door as she left the scene.

The moment, captured by TMZ and shared widely across social media platforms like X, has sparked a firestorm of reactions, with fans both praising Cardi’s unapologetic attitude and questioning the appropriateness of her response. The incident has also reignited speculation about her personal life, particularly the rumors of a fourth pregnancy and her relationships with Offset and Diggs.

The Civil Trial: A 2018 Altercation in the Spotlight

The courthouse drama unfolded against the backdrop of a civil lawsuit filed by Emani Ellis, a former security guard who claims Cardi assaulted her during a heated encounter in 2018. At the time, Cardi was four months pregnant with her first child, Kulture, and had not yet publicly announced her pregnancy. According to court documents, the incident occurred when Ellis, working at a Beverly Hills medical building, allegedly followed Cardi and recorded her with a cellphone as she arrived for an obstetrician appointment. Ellis claims Cardi responded with verbal abuse, racial slurs, spitting, and physical assault, including scratching her face with a long fingernail, leaving her “deeply traumatized” and seeking $24 million in damages.

Cardi has vehemently denied the allegations, insisting the confrontation was verbal only and that she never touched Ellis. During her testimony earlier in the week, Cardi recounted the incident with her characteristic candor, describing how she felt violated by Ellis’s actions. “I said, ‘Why are you recording me? Aren’t you supposed to be security?’” she testified, emphasizing that the altercation never escalated to physical contact. “She couldn’t get a scratch from me because I didn’t touch her.” Cardi also highlighted her vulnerability at the time, noting, “I was pregnant! I couldn’t protect myself even if I wanted to. She’s like twice my size!”

The trial has been a spectacle in itself, with Cardi’s animated facial expressions, witty retorts, and changing hairstyles—ranging from a short black pixie cut to long blonde locks—going viral on social media. Fans have compared her courtroom presence to a comedy sketch, with one X user writing, “Cardi B in court is like an SNL skit. She’s eating them up!” Another commented, “Her energy is unmatched. You can’t dislike her even if you try.” The rapper’s unfiltered responses, such as her quip about being “very disabled” during pregnancy, have fueled memes and online buzz, turning the trial into a cultural moment.

Pregnancy Rumors and Personal Life in the Spotlight

The pen-throwing incident has thrust Cardi’s personal life back into the headlines, particularly the persistent rumors about a fourth pregnancy. Speculation began last week when Cardi appeared in court wearing a form-fitting outfit and seemed to move cautiously, prompting some to question whether she was expecting. During an Instagram Live session on August 21, 2025, Cardi addressed similar rumors, snapping, “Look 30 weeks pregnant? No, you stupid bitch. I’m just out of breath ’cause I have asthma.” Despite her denials, the reporter’s question about Offset’s alleged claims has kept the rumors alive.

Cardi shares three children with Offset—Kulture, 7, Wave, 3, and Blossom, 11 months—born during their tumultuous marriage, which began with a secret wedding in 2017. The couple’s relationship has been marked by public breakups, cheating scandals, and reconciliations, culminating in Cardi filing for divorce in August 2024 and seeking primary custody of their children. Meanwhile, Cardi confirmed her relationship with Stefon Diggs in June 2025, sharing romantic photos on Instagram. However, breakup rumors surfaced after she deleted posts featuring Diggs, though both have since downplayed the speculation.

Offset’s alleged comments about fathering Cardi’s rumored fourth child have added fuel to the fire, with some fans speculating about a possible reconciliation. In a recent Instagram Story, Offset wrote, “That’s my seed, and I’ma always be there,” though he has not directly addressed the pregnancy rumors. Cardi’s heated reaction to the reporter’s question suggests she is determined to set boundaries around such personal matters, particularly as she navigates her new relationship with Diggs, who is a father to a daughter, Nova.

Fan Reactions: Support, Criticism, and Memes

The pen-throwing incident has divided fans, with some rallying behind Cardi’s fiery defense of her privacy and others questioning her actions. On X, supporters praised her for standing up to invasive questions, with one user writing, “Cardi throwing that pen was iconic. Don’t come for her with disrespectful nonsense!” Another commented, “She’s a mom, an artist, and a human being. Respect her boundaries!” However, critics argued that her response was excessive, with one user noting, “Throwing a pen? Cardi needs to chill. That could’ve gone left real quick.”

The incident has also sparked discussions about gender dynamics in media interactions, as Cardi pointedly asked why male reporters feel entitled to ask such personal questions. “Do you see women asking those types of questions to me?” she said, highlighting a perceived double standard. Some fans echoed this sentiment, with one writing, “Cardi’s right—why is it always men asking her about her body and her life like that? Respect women!”

Beyond the controversy, Cardi’s courtroom antics and the pen-throwing moment have become fodder for memes, with fans creating viral edits of her exasperated expressions and quips. One popular meme paired a clip of Cardi throwing the pen with the caption, “When you ask Cardi B the wrong question!” Another user joked, “Cardi’s aim with that pen? Olympic-level. She’s ready for the 2028 games.”

A Star Under Pressure

Cardi’s court appearance comes at a pivotal moment in her career. Her long-awaited sophomore album, Am I the Drama?, is set to release on September 19, 2025, and she has been vocal about the challenges of balancing her legal obligations with her creative work. Speaking to reporters after the trial, Cardi expressed frustration about the time the case has taken away from her family, noting that it coincided with her children’s first day of school. “It’s been really tough,” she said. “I work hard for my kids, for my money, and I’m not here for frivolous lawsuits.”

The rapper has also vowed to file a countersuit if faced with similar claims in the future, emphasizing her determination to protect her reputation. “Don’t you ever think you’re gonna sue me and I’m just gonna settle,” she told reporters, maintaining her innocence in the Ellis case. The jury’s verdict, delivered on September 2, 2025, cleared Cardi of all charges, with the unanimous decision affirming her claim that the altercation was verbal only.

Looking Ahead

As Cardi B moves forward, the pen-throwing incident and the surrounding pregnancy rumors are unlikely to fade from public discourse. Her ability to turn legal battles into viral moments underscores her enduring appeal as a larger-than-life figure in pop culture. Whether she’s shutting down reporters, delivering witty testimony, or dropping new music, Cardi remains unapologetically herself—a trait that has endeared her to millions while keeping her at the center of controversy.

For now, fans are eagerly awaiting Am I the Drama?, which promises to address the highs and lows of her recent experiences, from motherhood to her high-profile divorce. As she prepares to welcome her fourth child—or shuts down the rumors once and for all—Cardi B continues to prove that she’s not just a rapper but a cultural force, unafraid to throw a pen or a punchline when the moment calls for it.