Judge Fines Lawyer $1,500 for Cardi B Gang Question Gaffe

The lawyer's attempt to ask Cardi B about alleged gang affiliation violated a court order, the judge ruled.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:31pm

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A judge has fined the lawyer for Cardi B's former security guard $1,500 for asking the rapper about any alleged "gang affiliation" during her trial testimony last August. The judge found the lawyer's question was a clear violation of a prior court order blocking any mention of Cardi B's "prior bad acts" or "former association with a gang." Cardi B won the case against the security guard in September 2025 after jurors sided with her account of the incident.

Why it matters

This case highlights the legal protections afforded to celebrities like Cardi B, who have faced scrutiny over their past, and the consequences lawyers can face for violating court orders. The judge's ruling sends a strong message about the importance of following proper procedures during high-profile trials.

The details

In a pre-trial ruling last July, the judge blocked any mention of Cardi B's alleged "prior bad acts," including "exotic dancing" and "alleged former association with a gang." However, during Cardi B's testimony in August, the security guard's lawyer, Ron A. Rosen Janfaza, asked her, "Do you have any affiliation at this time with a gang?" Cardi B's lawyers immediately objected, and the court cautioned Janfaza about violating the order. After Cardi B won the case in September, her lawyers asked that Janfaza be held in contempt. The judge rejected Janfaza's arguments that he was sleep-deprived or that his office manager drafted the question, ruling that Janfaza knowingly and intentionally violated the order.

  • On July 2025, the judge issued a pre-trial ruling blocking any mention of Cardi B's alleged "prior bad acts."
  • On August 26, 2025, Cardi B testified at the trial, and the security guard's lawyer asked her about any "gang affiliation."
  • On September 2, 2025, the jury sided with Cardi B, finding the security guard failed to prove the rapper physically assaulted her.
  • On January 29, 2026, the judge fined the security guard's lawyer $1,500 for violating the court order.

The players

Cardi B

A Grammy-winning musician who was the defendant in the civil trial against a former security guard.

Ron A. Rosen Janfaza

The lawyer representing the security guard who sued Cardi B and was fined $1,500 for violating a court order.

Judge Ian C. Fusselman

The Los Angeles County judge who presided over the civil trial and issued the $1,500 fine against the security guard's lawyer.

Emani Ellis

The former security guard who sued Cardi B, claiming the rapper physically assaulted her in 2018.

Dr. David Finke

The obstetrician Cardi B was visiting when the incident with the security guard occurred, and a defense witness who corroborated Cardi B's account.

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What they’re saying

“It is clear that Mr. Janfaza was aware of the [prior] ruling and that the question was specifically drafted in an attempt to avoid directly violating the letter, but not the clear intent, of the court's ruling. It was no accident. It was not the result of inexperience or stress. It was not the fault of Mr. Janfaza's office manager. It was a knowing and intentional violation of the court's ruling.”

— Judge Ian C. Fusselman (Rolling Stone)

What’s next

The judge directed Janfaza to self-report the sanctions order to the California State Bar within 30 days and pay the $1,500 fine by February 27, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the legal protections afforded to high-profile celebrities like Cardi B and the consequences lawyers can face for violating court orders, even through seemingly minor actions. It underscores the importance of following proper procedures during high-stakes trials.