Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B and gossip vlogger Latasha “Tasha K” Kebe have reached a final settlement in their prolonged defamation lawsuit, with Tasha K agreeing to pay $1
R18.61.2 million over five years. The agreement brings closure to a legal dispute that began in 2019, when Cardi B sued Tasha K for making defamatory statements about her personal life.
A Legal Battle Four Years in the Making
The dispute between Cardi B and Tasha K has been ongoing since the rapper filed a lawsuit against the blogger, citing defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Tasha K had made a series of false allegations about Cardi B’s health and marriage to fellow rapper Offset, prompting legal action.
In 2022, a judge ruled in favor of Cardi B, awarding her $4
R74.42 million in damages. However, Tasha K later filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, claiming financial hardship, which led to the renegotiation of the payout terms. Under the new agreement, Tasha K will pay Cardi B in installments, with the first year requiring a payment of $176,532
R3,284,501.22 and increasing incrementally to $318,653
R5,928,761.73 in the final year.
Settlement Terms and Future Restrictions
As part of the settlement, Tasha K has agreed not to make any “derogatory, disparaging, or defamatory statements” about Cardi B on social media or through any other public platform. However, Cardi B retains the right to discuss the case and make statements about Tasha K.
Additionally, the agreement allows Cardi B to collect any outstanding balance from Tasha K through wage garnishment if necessary. The structured repayment plan ensures that Cardi B secures financial restitution while preventing Tasha K from evading responsibility through bankruptcy loopholes.
Cardi B’s Legal Team Responds
Cardi B’s lawyer, Lisa Moore, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the case sets a precedent for defamation lawsuits involving social media personalities.
“We are thrilled to put in place such an incredibly unprecedented and protective plan for Cardi,” Moore told Rolling Stone. “I assume you will see the debtor and her swill counsel selling this as a win. Trust me, for all of the reasons in the plan we insisted on to protect our client, that is not the case. We don’t believe the false tears, and we protect against them.”
Impact on Online Defamation Cases
The settlement highlights the growing legal scrutiny over online content creators who spread false information. Cardi B’s victory reinforces that celebrities have legal recourse against defamatory statements, even when made on digital platforms.
For Tasha K, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of spreading misinformation for views and engagement. The financial burden and reputational damage she now faces underscore the risks associated with defamatory social media content.
A Lesson in Social Media Accountability
As Cardi B moves forward, this legal battle stands as a landmark case in holding digital influencers accountable for their statements. The agreement not only compensates Cardi B but also sends a strong message about responsible content creation in the era of viral gossip and online speculation.
