Major Controversies Surrounding Cardi B: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Cardi B—discover key moments of controversy.

Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Cephus, is a prominent American rapper recognized for her candid persona and lyrical content. She rose to fame between 2015 and 2017 through her presence on Vine and Instagram, her role in VH1's Love & Hip Hop: New York, and the release of her two mixtapes. She has become one of the most successful female artists in the music industry.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2016: Cardi B discusses past actions

In 2016, Cardi B stated that she used to drug and rob men when working as a stripper.

May 2018: Response to LGBT Relationship Accusations

In May 2018, after the release of "Girls", Cardi B responded to accusations that the song trivialized LGBT relationships, stating that she had personal experiences with other women.

Loading Video...

September 2018: Altercation at New York Fashion Week

In September 2018, Cardi B was involved in an altercation with Nicki Minaj at a New York Fashion Week after-party, during which Cardi B threw a shoe at Nicki Minaj. Bodyguards intervened before she could reach Minaj, leaving her with a large bump on her forehead. Cardi B alleged that Minaj had "liked" negative social media comments about her parenting abilities.

October 1, 2018: Accusations of assault

On October 1, 2018, Cardi B was accused of assaulting two female bartenders, with claims that she and her entourage threw bottles and alcohol at them. She denied involvement and was charged with misdemeanors.

December 7, 2018: Court arraignment for assault charges

On December 7, 2018, Cardi B appeared in court for her arraignment regarding assault charges, after an initial scheduling conflict.

June 21, 2019: Indictment on 14 charges

On June 21, 2019, Cardi B was indicted on 14 charges, including felony assault, stemming from the 2018 incident.

June 25, 2019: Arraignment and not guilty plea on assault charges

On June 25, 2019, Cardi B was arraigned and pleaded not guilty on all 14 charges related to the 2018 assault.

2019: Controversy and defense regarding past actions

In 2019, after controversies emerged regarding her past actions of drugging and robbing men, Cardi B defended herself, stating she did what she had to do to survive, but does not glorify it.

2019: Impact of lies and contemplation of suicide

In 2019, the lies spread by Latasha Kebe had led Cardi B to contemplate suicide.

January 24, 2022: Defamation verdict against Tasha K

On January 24, 2022, Cardi B won a million-dollar defamation verdict against YouTuber Latasha Kebe (Tasha K) for waging a malicious campaign to hurt her reputation with false rumors, resulting in a total fine of $3.82 million.

March 25, 2022: Defamation lawsuit victory

On March 25, 2022, Cardi B, her sister Hennessy, and Hennessy's girlfriend won a defamation lawsuit filed against them by three men over an incident at a Suffolk County beach.

September 15, 2022: Guilty plea and sentencing in assault case

On September 15, 2022, Cardi B pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and second-degree reckless endangerment, receiving a sentence of 15 days of community service.

July 2023: Microphone throwing incident in Las Vegas

In July 2023, Cardi B threw her microphone into the crowd at a Las Vegas concert after a fan threw a liquid at her. The police did not move forward with the case.

2023: Withdrawal of Support for Joe Biden

In late 2023, Cardi B announced she no longer supports Joe Biden for president due to his spending on wars.

2024: Cardi B addresses past actions again

In 2024, Cardi B spoke on the matter again, saying she "doesn't feel bad" about drugging and robbing men regarding her past, and would have done it again.