Photographer Detained During Cardi B Music Video Shoot In New York City

BY Alexander Cole
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Jan 25, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Musician Cardi B after ithe 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Cardi B was shooting a music video in New York City, and it led to the detainment of a photographer who trespassed.

Cardi B is looking to drop a new music video, although there are some people who are allegedly disturbing her ability to do so. According to TMZ, a photographer near the set of her music video shoot in New York City was detained on Monday.

A 70-year-old photographer by the name of Steven Sands was in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, to get a glimpse of the famous artist. Sands allegedly refused to comply with instructions. For instance, he went past the police barriers, all while ignoring Cardi's security guards.

This subsequently led to a criminal court summons for disorderly conduct. The NYPD put Sands in handcuffs, and they escorted him away from the situation. It should be noted that this was not an arrest. Just a detainment. Sands was eventually let go.

Cardi B Video Shoot Disruption

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Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Cardi B arrives for the half time show at the game between New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Sands tells a different version of events. While speaking to TMZ, he made the claim that Cardi's team put him behind large equipment. This made sure that he could not get a clear shot.

The photographer then tried to get into an open area, only to be told by security that Cardi wouldn't want that. "I don't mean to be rude, but I don't care what Cardi wants," Sands replied.

It's a reply that ultimately cost the man his access, and an escalation from security at the NYPD. Let this be a lesson to others who try to attempt similar stunts.

About The Author
Alexander Cole is the current editor-in-chief of HotNewHipHop. He started at HotNewHipHop back in 2018 where he began as a Sports and Sneakers writer. It was here where he began to hone his craft, putting his journalism degree from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, to good use. Since that time, he has documented some of the biggest stories in the hip-hop world. From the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef to the disturbing allegations against Diddy, Alex has helped HotNewHipHop navigate large-scale stories as they happen. In 2021, he went to the Bahamas for the Big 3's Championship Game. It was here where he got to interview legendary figures like Ice Cube, Clyde Drexler, and Stephen Jackson. He has also interviewed other superstar athletes such as Antonio Brown, Damian Lillard, and Paul Pierce. This is in addition to conversations with social media provocateurs like Jake Paul, and younger respected artists like Kaycyy, Lil Tecca, and Jeleel!