NEW YORK (AP) - Cardi B turned up for a court appearance on Tuesday (Dec 10) in an attempted assault case, staying mum - except for fashion statements - as it proceeds.

The Grammy-winning rapper sported a feather-trimmed black coat with a long train and a wide-brimmed black hat to her court date in Queens, where she faces felony charges stemming from an August 2018 fight at a strip club.

The court session centred on her lawyers' efforts to get access to the alleged victims' social-media messages.

"We believe she's innocent, and so we're investigating all aspects," lawyer Drew Findling said after the court appearance.

Cardi B whispered to him and attorney Jeff Kern in court but otherwise did not speak.

She has pleaded not guilty, and her lawyers have denied she harmed anyone.

Police have said Cardi B, 27, and her entourage argued with a bartender at Angels Strip Club. The dispute sparked a bottle-and-hookah-pipe throwing fracas that caused minor injuries to the woman and another employee, according to police.

Born Belcalis Almanzar, Cardi B boasts chart-topping hits including I Like It and the Maroon 5 collaboration Girls Like You. She won a best rap album Grammy for Invasion Of Privacy this year and has notched other honours, including the American Music Awards' favourite rap/hip hop artist title.