Cardi B candidly revealed on The Jennifer Hudson Show that she briefly fell asleep during her recent high-profile assault trial due to exhaustion, addressed the viral memes generated from the courtroom footage, and announced she is turning the attention into her new album cover, demonstrating resilience and a bold, unapologetic reclaiming of her narrative.

Cardi B, the chart-topping rapper known for her bold personality and candid social media presence, spoke openly about her recent assault trial during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show on September 15, 2025.

In a conversation that blended humor, vulnerability, and defiance, Cardi admitted that the high-profile courtroom proceedings were so exhausting that she actually fell asleep at one point during the trial.

“It was intense,” Cardi told Hudson.

“You know, the cameras, the waiting, the questioning… I literally dozed off for a second.

And yes, people saw it, and yes, memes were made, but what can I say? Court is exhausting!” The admission prompted laughter from the audience, highlighting Cardi’s ability to turn a potentially embarrassing moment into relatable content.

The trial, which took place over several weeks in Manhattan, involved an alleged assault incident from early 2024 that had drawn significant media attention.

While Cardi has maintained her innocence throughout the process, public scrutiny was intense, with courtroom footage and media coverage sparking widespread discussion online.

Several social media users quickly turned Cardi’s brief nap into viral memes, spreading across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, where fans and critics alike poked fun at the rapper’s sleepy moment.

Rather than shy away from the online attention, Cardi embraced it.

In a move that surprised many, she announced that one of the most popular memes from the trial would be featured as cover art for her forthcoming album, Viral Queen, set to release in November 2025.

“If the internet wants to have fun with me, I’ll give them something to enjoy,” Cardi explained.

“Why hide when you can turn it into art? That’s power.”

Hudson asked Cardi about the emotional toll of navigating both the legal system and social media scrutiny.

Cardi responded candidly, saying, “It’s overwhelming.

I’m human.

Sometimes I feel judged for just being human.

But I also know how to flip it and make it work for me.

” The rapper’s ability to reclaim her narrative has resonated with fans, who see her not just as a performer but as a figure willing to challenge traditional expectations of celebrity behavior.

Inside the courtroom, sources revealed that Cardi’s legal team was meticulous in preparing her for questioning.

Despite the media frenzy outside, the trial itself was tightly controlled, with strict rules about what could be shared publicly.

Witnesses and plaintiffs were present, and a mix of celebrity and non-celebrity witnesses contributed to a complex picture of the alleged incident.

Cardi’s admission of briefly falling asleep, while minor in the legal sense, humanized her in the eyes of the public and became a focal point for both criticism and humor online.

Fans have reacted positively to Cardi’s openness about the experience.

Social media posts praising her resilience have flooded platforms, with hashtags like #CardiStrong and #ViralQueen trending within hours of the interview’s broadcast.

Others have expressed admiration for her decision to repurpose a viral moment as a creative asset, framing it as a savvy example of modern celebrity branding.

In addition to discussing the trial, Cardi spoke about her broader career plans, noting that the Viral Queen album would feature collaborations with several high-profile artists and explore themes of empowerment, humor, and navigating fame in a hyper-connected world.

“This album is about taking control of your story, laughing at yourself when needed, and turning every situation—even the messy ones—into something meaningful,” she said.

Legal experts watching the trial have noted that Cardi’s approach to public engagement post-trial is unusual but not unprecedented.

Using viral moments as marketing tools is becoming increasingly common in the entertainment industry, where social media presence can directly influence commercial success.

Cardi’s decision to integrate courtroom memes into her artistic narrative is viewed by analysts as a bold and innovative strategy that capitalizes on attention while maintaining authenticity.

The conversation on The Jennifer Hudson Show ended on a reflective note, with Cardi emphasizing personal growth and resilience.

“You can’t let the world tell your story for you,” she concluded.

“I’m proud of how I handled it, and I’m ready for the next chapter—both in music and in life.”

Cardi B’s appearance serves as a reminder of the intersection between celebrity culture, social media, and the legal system, highlighting how public figures navigate personal challenges under intense scrutiny while turning even controversial moments into opportunities for creative expression and audience engagement.