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Cardi B Lawsuit: Defamation, Assault Claims & Legal History

Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B (Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar) has been both plaintiff and defendant in multiple high-profile lawsuits involving defamation, assault, and contract disputes, reflecting the legal complexities that often accompany major celebrity careers.

Full Name

Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar

Case Types

Defamation, assault, contracts

Jurisdiction

Multiple US states

Last Updated

June 2026

The Defamation Victory Against YouTuber Tasha K

In January 2022, a federal jury in Georgia awarded Cardi B $4 million in a defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Latasha Kebe, known as Tasha K. The jury found that Kebe had made dozens of false statements about Cardi B across her YouTube channel, including fabricated claims about drug use, prostitution, and sexual disease -- statements Kebe repeated without factual basis to an audience of millions.

The damages award -- comprising $1.25 million in compensatory damages and over $2.5 million in punitive damages -- represented a significant vindication. The case was notable because Cardi B testified about the severe emotional distress she experienced from the false statements, including anxiety, suicidal ideation, and a deterioration in her mental health during pregnancy. The verdict was one of the largest individual defamation awards against a social media content creator.

The Strip Club Assault Case

Cardi B pleaded not guilty to assault-related charges in 2019 stemming from an incident at a New York strip club in 2018, where prosecutors alleged she ordered an attack on two bartenders following an argument involving her then-husband Offset. Cardi B rejected plea deals and faced a potential trial.

In September 2022, Cardi B pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and second-degree reckless endangerment as part of a plea agreement. She was sentenced to 15 days of community service and avoided jail time. The plea resolved the criminal proceedings, though the incident also resulted in civil claims by some of the individuals involved.

Ongoing and Recent Legal Matters in 2026

Cardi B has continued to face and initiate legal proceedings in 2025 and 2026. She has been active in pursuing defamation and copyright claims against individuals who she alleges have spread false information about her online or stolen her intellectual property. The digital media environment that generates constant commentary about celebrities creates a high volume of potential defamation claims, and Cardi B has been more aggressive than many public figures in pursuing legal remedies. See also: False Accusations Lawsuit.

Cardi B has also been engaged in contract and business disputes related to her music catalog, brand partnerships, and business ventures. The details of many of these proceedings are confidential under settlement agreements. Related: Travis Scott Astroworld litigation.

Defamation Law and Public Figures

The Cardi B v. Tasha K case provided a high-profile example of how defamation law applies to social media and YouTube commentary about public figures. Under the actual malice standard established in New York Times v. Sullivan, public figures must prove that a false statement was made with knowledge of its falsity or reckless disregard for the truth -- a higher standard than applies to private individuals.

The jury's finding that Kebe met this standard reflected evidence that Kebe was on notice that her claims were false but continued to publish them anyway. The substantial damages award also reflected the jury's view that Kebe's conduct was intentional and malicious, warranting punitive damages.

2026 Legal Status

The criminal assault case is resolved. The Tasha K defamation judgment is final after Kebe's appeals were unsuccessful, and collection proceedings on the $4 million judgment have been ongoing. Cardi B's other pending matters are at various stages of litigation. She remains one of the most legally active figures in contemporary hip-hop, both as a plaintiff asserting her rights and as a defendant in matters filed by others.

How to Get Legal Help

If you believe you qualify based on the eligibility criteria described above, the next step is a free consultation with an experienced attorney. Most plaintiff-side attorneys handling these cases work on contingency -- meaning you pay nothing unless your case results in a recovery. Bring any relevant documentation including receipts, correspondence, or evidence of the harm you experienced.

To stay current on case developments, claim deadlines, and settlement news, bookmark this page and subscribe to LawsuitWatch alerts. Coverage is updated as new court filings, settlement announcements, and eligibility changes are made public.

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Cardi B Lawsuit: Defamation, Assault Claims & Legal History: Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about this case and your legal options.

Did Cardi B win her defamation lawsuit?

Yes. A federal jury awarded Cardi B $4 million in January 2022 in her defamation case against YouTuber Tasha K (Latasha Kebe) for false statements published about her.

Did Cardi B go to jail?

No. In September 2022, Cardi B pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and reckless endangerment charges and was sentenced to 15 days of community service. She did not serve jail time.

What did Tasha K say about Cardi B?

Kebe published numerous videos on YouTube making false claims about Cardi B involving drug use, prostitution, and sexually transmitted diseases. The jury found these statements were made with reckless disregard for their truth.

Who is Tasha K and did she pay the $4 million?

Tasha K is a YouTube content creator and gossip blogger. Collection of the $4 million judgment has been ongoing; Kebe has contested the amount and payment timeline in post-judgment proceedings.

What other lawsuits is Cardi B involved in?

As of 2026, Cardi B has various pending business, defamation, and intellectual property matters. Most are confidential under settlement agreements or in early stages of litigation.