Cardi B appeared to sidestep one of the major restrictions in place at Madison Square Garden last night, after Donald Trump’s appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals prompted tighter security measures.
There was plenty happening inside MSG, where the Knicks’ 13-game playoff winning run came to an end following a defeat to the San Antonio Spurs. Before the result had even been settled, the atmosphere was already tense, with Trump receiving loud boos from sections of the crowd.
His planned visit had already drawn attention earlier in the week, after officials confirmed security would be ramped up for the game. Supporters were urged to arrive two hours before tip-off, while a strict no-bag rule was also introduced alongside “TSA-style screening procedures”.
But Cardi B did not appear too concerned about the restriction, as she posted to her Instagram Stories from courtside showing off a Chanel purse worth around $7,000 while taking in the action between her show-stopping halftime performance.
The Chanel 25 mini handbag was impossible to miss in the picture, with the court faded in the background. The small statement piece featured leopard-print faux fur and a gold Chanel logo displayed prominently on the front.
Cardi was also joined at the game by her four-year-old son, Wave, whom she shares with her former partner Offset.
The 33-year-old’s accessory quickly got fans talking online, with one person writing on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Cardi b Chanel bag is teaaaa”.
She was far from the only famous face sitting courtside. Celebrity Knicks supporters including Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller were also spotted getting animated when they appeared on the jumbotron. Kylie Jenner, who has previously attended games with Chalamet, was not seen alongside him this time.
Jordyn Woods, Jenner’s former best friend, was also at the arena to cheer on her fiancé Karl Anthony Towns. While she did not seem to have a bag with her, her outfit still drew attention.
The 28-year-old wore a custom top created from vintage Knicks jerseys, pairing it with jeans and heels for the courtside appearance.
Trump watched the game from a private box with his granddaughter Kai Trump after being invited by Knicks owner James Dolan.
It proved to be a rough night for the former president, with the Knicks losing, the crowd booing him, and cameras appearing to catch him drifting off during the game.
It was certainly a busy night at Madison Square Garden.