A California judge threatened a mistrial after Cardi B got into a heated exchange with the opposing attorney in court on Wednesday.
Cardi was sued for copyright infringement by Kevin Brophy, a tattoo artist, who accused her of using his likeness for a mixtape cover without his permission.
According to the Associated Press, the Bronx native repeatedly clashed with Brophy’s attorney A. Barry Cappello in the courtroom. Her outbursts caused the judge to send the jurors out of the room twice and threaten a mistrial.
Cappello said his client’s massive back tattoo was Photoshopped onto the back of a male model on Cardi’s 2016 Gangsta B-tch Music Vol. 1 mixtape cover.
Brophy said the mixtape cover “humiliated” him and caused him “hurt and shame.” He is seeking $5 million in damages for his pain and suffering.
But Cardi argued that Brophy has been “harassing” her for money without providing proof of his pain and suffering.
“He hasn’t gotten a divorce. How has he suffered? He’s still in a surf shop at his job. Please tell me how he’s suffered,” she said.
“[I have been] working my ass off [to raise] two kids,” she snapped. She added that it was “insulting” to her that Brophy claimed his tattoo on her album cover contributed to her success.
The judge sent the jurors out, and warned both sides that his patience was wearing thin.
“We’re at a point where it’s just not productive,” he said. “We’re arguing with one another. It’s unprofessional.”
The trial continued on Thursday, Oct. 20, and is expected to conclude on Friday, Oct. 21, with a verdict.
