Singer Cardi B won her defamation lawsuit against vlogger Tasha K in Atlanta on Jan. 24. Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Almánzar, sued Tasha K for making defamatory statements about the rapper for financial gain.
Tasha K, whose real name is Latasha Kebe, was ordered to pay $4.1 million to Almánzar for videos she made making false claims about the rapper.
In a video Kebe made in 2018, she claimed Cardi B’s unborn child “may have intellectual disabilities.” She also claimed that the rapper had been a prostitute with herpes who used molly and cocaine.
According to the lawsuit, Kebe also referred to the rapper as “just a Grammy Nominated Prostitute, running around spreading her herpes.” The lawsuit contended that Kebe became obsessed with Almánzar and made 23 videos within 14 months about the rapper.
“I will be making my FIRST and ONLY statement about the case,” wrote Kebe. “Wednesday 1/26/22 at 7pm est on my @YouTube channel.”
I will be making my FIRST and ONLY statement about the case Wednesday 1/26/22 at 7pm est on my @YouTube channel.
— unWinewithTashaK (@unwinewithtasha) January 25, 2022
One fan commented, “But are you going to be telling the truth?”
Cardi B also spoke out about her victory over the vlogger. She thanked the judge for being fair and the jury for their two weeks of deliberation. The WAP singer was also thankful to her legal team and reflected on her state of mind when she was being harassed.
“After almost four years of repeated libel and slander against me, being able to walk away from this victorious brings me great happiness,” she said. “I appreciate Judge Ray for conducting a fair and impartial trial. I am grateful for the jury and their careful deliberation over the past two weeks. I am profoundly grateful for the hard work and support from my legal team. Most importantly, thank you to my family and close friends who held my hand and helped me get the support I needed during this experience.”
“During this trial, all of you have learned about the darkest time in my life. That moment in time was fueled by the vile, disgusting, and completely false narratives that were repeatedly and relentlessly being shared online. I thought I would never be heard or vindicated and I felt completely helpless and vulnerable. I have never taken for granted the platform that my fame allows me to have, which is why for over three years I dedicated every resource I had to seek justice.”
The “Bodak Yellow” rapper also said that the practice of reporting lies and rumors as facts needed to end and commented on the ills of cyberbullying.
“We’ve also seen countless stories of children and adults deciding to take their own lives due to cyberbullying and intentional attacks. So while I am very grateful that this trial has come to its conclusion and the jury has rendered a powerful and substantial message, literally — I really hope that my experience forces all of us, but especially the platforms who allow this behavior to be a part of their communities, to re-think what moves us forward as a society versus what cripples us. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for help at 1-800-273-TALK.”
Latasha Kebe’s attorney, Sadeer Sabbak, said they would appeal the verdict.
