Cardi B won her defamation lawsuit, now Cardi wants to talk to Duchess Meghan

This week, Cardi B won her defamation lawsuit against vlogger Tasha K, real name Tasha Kebe. Cardi took the stand against Tasha’s campaign of hate via YouTube. On the stand, Cardi described how she felt “defeated and depressed” as Tasha spread lies about Cardi’s sexual history, criminal history, drug use and more. The court awarded Cardi $1 million in punitive damages, plus Tasha’s company has to pay an additional $500K in damages AND pay Cardi’s legal fees, which were in the vicinity of $1.3 million. In addition to all of that, Cardi was awarded an additional $3 million in damages. Cardi released a statement yesterday about her success in court:

Cardi said in a statement shared with PEOPLE, “After almost four years of repeated libel and slander against me, being able to walk away from this victorious brings me great happiness. 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.”

Seemingly referencing her moment during the trial when she testified that Kebe’s remarks caused her to be “extremely suicidal,” Cardi said in her statement that fans have “learned about the darkest time in my life,” sharing it 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,” Cardi added. “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.”

Cardi shared that she didn’t want “justice” solely for herself, noting that “the intentional harm that was done to me, is done to countless others every day.”

“The only difference between me and the high schooler who is being cyberbullied and lied on by their classmates is the money and resources I have access to,” she added. “We collectively have to say enough is enough. We can no longer be a society that turns a blind eye to blatant lies. The unchecked behavior and provably false content on platforms like YouTube have to be addressed and removed. The constant harassment and lies that are reported as factual from journalists and bloggers have to end.”

She shared that her career was launched on social media, “so I know the power it has,” adding that while social media has forged movements from Black Lives Matter to Stop Asian Hate and Women’s Rights, “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.” She ended with a message for those who have considered harming themselves. “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.”

[From People]

During the trial, Cardi spoke about how far-reaching Tasha’s lies had become, how even long-time Cardi-fans believed what Tasha said about her and would repeat it back to Cardi or ask her about it. As with the Duchess of Sussex, the lies were one thing, but then the lies were amplified in an echo chamber of online and real-life hate. Speaking of Meghan, Cardi also tweeted this yesterday:

I need a chat with Megan Markle.

— Cardi B (@iamcardib) January 26, 2022

Yep. Cardi and Meghan both faced down systems of weaponized slander and hate. They both used the court system to get some sliver of justice. They would have a good chat.

Photos courtesy of Backgrid.