Cardi B may have walked away victorious from her recent assault trial, but not without enduring some unexpected beauty-related pain. The rapper told reporters on Tuesday, Sept. 2, that her forehead had been left “raw” from the frequent wig changes she made during her courtroom appearances.
The Bodak Yellow rapper, 32, spoke to reporters outside a California courthouse following the conclusion of a civil trial in which she was cleared of assault allegations stemming from a 2018 incident involving a security guard. While addressing the press, many of whom had followed the high-profile case closely, Cardi paused to thank the media for what she called their respectful coverage throughout the proceedings.
“I’m telling you guys, when I say that my forehead is raw from changing all these wigs – raw, raw, raw, raw,” she said with a laugh, responding to a reporter’s question in Spanish about her frequently changing hairstyles during the trial. The comment drew laughter from the assembled media.
A Trial with Headlines and Hair Changes
Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almanzár, had been in court defending herself against a $24 million lawsuit brought by security guard Emani Ellis. Ellis alleged that Cardi assaulted her, claiming the rapper cut her cheek with a three-inch fingernail and spat on her during an encounter outside a medical office in 2018. At the time, Cardi was pregnant with her daughter, Kulture Kiari Cephus, though her pregnancy had not yet been made public.
Throughout the week-long trial, Cardi made headlines not just for her legal battle, but also for her fashion and beauty choices, particularly her striking wigs, which changed almost daily.
On Sept. 2, the day of her court victory, Cardi wore a middle-parted, dark brown wig styled in loose waves tied into a bun. While her hair was understated, her outfit was anything but. She donned a bold, $10,000 polka-dot Valentino suit, complete with a dramatic satin bow, ruffled blouse, and matching trousers.
Just days earlier, on Aug. 27, she opted for a jet-black wig with a deep side part and voluminous curls that cascaded past her shoulders. The look paired seamlessly with her crisp white Jacquemus suit, creating a stark black-and-white contrast.
On Aug. 26, Cardi turned heads yet again with a platinum blonde wig styled into glamorous Old Hollywood curls. Her outfit that day—by Giambattista Valli—added an additional element of drama to her courtroom look.
It wasn’t long before the plaintiff’s legal team took notice of her ever-changing hair.
“Yesterday, you had black hair, short hair. Today it’s blonde and long,” said attorney Ron Rosen during cross-examination. “Which one is your real hair, or are they both real?”
“They’re wigs,” Cardi responded with a short laugh.
A Caution Against Lawsuit Culture
Following the dismissal of the civil suit, Cardi took the opportunity to speak more seriously about the pressures of fame, and the legal challenges that often follow public figures.
“I work all day, and I work hard for my money, for my kids, for the people that I take care of,” she said. “So don’t you ever think that you’re going to sue me, and I’m just going to settle.”
Her statement comes after a string of recent legal wins, as Cardi continues to push back against what she perceives as opportunistic lawsuits.
Though she may have walked free from court, the rapper admitted the stress of the trial, and the daily wig changes, took their toll. The adhesive used to secure her wigs reportedly irritated her skin, especially around her hairline, which she noted had become “raw” from constant application and removal.
Despite the discomfort, Cardi’s trial wardrobe didn’t go unnoticed by fans and fashion-watchers alike. Social media lit up with daily recaps of her courtroom looks, with many praising her for staying true to her style even in the most serious of settings.
A Viral Moment, and a Reminder
As the legal drama unfolded, Cardi’s candid courtroom reactions also became viral fodder online. One memorable clip captured her telling the court, “I’m pregnant. This girl’s about to beat my ass. Hello?” A moment now being turned into limited-edition “Am I the Drama?” album covers, according to her team.
While Cardi is no stranger to public scrutiny, she has often embraced viral moments with a sense of humor, and a businesswoman’s eye. Still, the rapper reminded everyone this week that behind the glam and the wigs is a hardworking mother and performer who isn’t afraid to stand her ground.
As for her post-trial plans? Cardi didn’t elaborate. But one thing is certain: her forehead will likely be getting a much-needed break.
