What You, Bankruptcy, and Cardi B Could Have in Common

By Alexander Hernandez, J.D., Professor, and Author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge).

When you think of the Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B, you probably aren’t thinking about bankruptcy law. But a high-stakes defamation case she won against YouTuber Tasha K provides a textbook example of a powerful tool creditors can use in bankruptcy: the 2004 Examination.

Every civil lawsuit has two distinct phases: winning the judgment and then the often-difficult task of collecting on it. When YouTuber Tasha K filed for bankruptcy after a jury awarded Cardi B a substantial $4 million judgment for defamation, the collection process shifted when Tasha K filed for bankruptcy. Creditors have a right to investigate a debtor’s finances. It’s critical to have a bankruptcy lawyer protecting your rights at this point.

As a practicing attorney, I can tell you that a creditor’s tool of choice for this investigation is known as the Rule 2004 Examination, a process I routinely navigate with my clients.

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Updated on October 23, 2025.

Key Points on the Case:

• Cardi B (Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar Cephus) won a $4 million judgment against YouTuber Tasha K (Latasha Kebe) for defamation of character.
• Tasha K filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which halted Cardi B’s collection efforts via the automatic stay.
• Cardi B, now a creditor, has powerful legal rights, including the ability to demand a Rule 2004 Examination to investigate the debtor’s assets and financial affairs.
• The entire case serves as a powerful reminder of why debtors must be completely honest about their finances, or they risk federal investigation for bankruptcy fraud and potential prosecution by the U.S. Trustee’s Office a branch of the Department of Justice.

The Bankruptcy Angle: The Creditor’s Right to Investigate

When Tasha K filed for bankruptcy, all collection activities against her were immediately stopped by the automatic stay, a crucial protection for debtors. However, this action did not make the debt disappear. It simply moved the fight into the bankruptcy court.

Do Creditors Attend 341 Bankruptcy Meetings?

As a creditor holding a massive judgment, Cardi B’s legal team has every right to scrutinize Tasha K’s financial health, especially if they suspect assets are being hidden. This is where the Rule 2004 Examination becomes the weapon of choice for creditors.

What is a Rule 2004 Examination?

Also simply called a “2004 Exam,” this is a discovery tool unique to bankruptcy court. Located in Section 2004 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, it allows a bankruptcy trustee or any interested party, like a major creditor, to take the sworn deposition of a debtor and explore their finances.

• The Adversary Process – Rudy Giuliani’s Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

The 2004 examination is similar to a deposition, and can be broad and invasive. The court gives wide latitude to asking questions and digging into a debtor’s financial history, from bank accounts to transfers of property made years before the filing.

In the case of Tasha K, reports cited by outlets like Black Enterprise and XXL Magazine suggest that Cardi B’s lawyers believe Tasha K may be attempting to shield assets in offshore accounts and trusts. For a creditor, a 2004 Exam is the most effective tool to uncover:

• Undisclosed assets.
• Fraudulent transfers to family members or friends.
• The true value of a debtor’s business or property.

The Line Between Honesty and Bankruptcy Fraud

This case underscores the most critical piece of advice I can give anyone considering bankruptcy: Be 100% honest with your lawyer.

The role of the Bankruptcy Trustee is to protect the bankruptcy estate on behalf of creditors. The Trustee and creditors like Cardi B are not simply going through the motions; they are actively looking for assets.

If a 2004 Examination reveals that a debtor has actively concealed or failed to disclose assets, the consequences are as follows:

1. Case Dismissal: The entire bankruptcy case can be dismissed, leaving the debtor exposed to all their creditors, including the now-angered judgment creditor who most likely will be more aggressive, not to mention seek fees and sanctions.
2. Denial of Discharge: The court can deny the debtor a discharge, meaning they remain liable for all their debts.
3. Bankruptcy Fraud: If the concealment is significant and willful, the matter can be referred to the U.S. Trustee’s Office. Hiding assets or lying under oath in bankruptcy is a felony, punishable by fines and federal prison time.

Whether a debtor is a public figure like Tasha K or the average citizen, the stakes are the same. A lie told to a lawyer or the court can upend your life for a small, temporary financial gain. If your lawyer knows the truth upfront, that a transfer was made or an asset exists, we can take legal steps to protect your interests. If you lie, you risk becoming an example in a future blog post.

Colleges and universities can purchase my bankruptcy law textbook directly from Routledge Publishing. Paralegals and students who are buying single copies can do so via Amazon Books. To access my YouTube channel, click this link. You can also listen to my podcast on Spotify.

You can learn more about filing for bankruptcy and the bankruptcy petition via this link. Information on the bankruptcy court system, contact information for trustees, and your state’s exemptions can be found here. The federal bankruptcy exemptions are listed here. The latest version of the 341 Meeting of the Creditors can be found here.

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Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.

Updated initially on January 1, 2025.