In a significant legal development, rapper Cardi B and blogger Latasha Kebe, known as Tasha K, have reached a settlement in their long-standing defamation case.
Under a court-approved Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization plan, Tasha K will pay Cardi B nearly $1.2 million over five years in structured monthly installments.
The agreement, approved by a bankruptcy judge, outlines a tiered payment plan: Kebe will pay $176,532 in the first year, with annual payments increasing incrementally to $318,653 by the fifth year. While this settlement amount is significantly lower than the original $4 million defamation judgment Cardi B secured in 2022, the Grammy-winning artist retains the right to pursue the remaining balance after the five-year period ends.
Additionally, the settlement legally binds Tasha K from making any “derogatory, disparaging, or defamatory” statements about Cardi B or her family across all platforms, including social media and podcasting. Any violation of this agreement could result in further legal action.
Background: Defamation Lawsuit and Court Ruling
The legal battle began in 2019 when Cardi B, legally known as Belcalis Almánzar, sued Tasha K for defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit stemmed from multiple false statements made by Kebe on her YouTube platform, “Unwine with Tasha K,” including unfounded allegations about Cardi B’s personal and medical history.
In January 2022, a jury found Kebe liable for defamation, awarding Cardi B approximately $4 million in damages, including punitive and legal costs.
The ruling reinforced the legal consequences of spreading falsehoods online and set a precedent for defamation claims against social media personalities. However, Kebe later filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in an effort to restructure her financial obligations and limit her liability.
Legal and Industry Implications
The case underscores the growing legal risks for online content creators engaged in defamation and misinformation. Legal experts view this settlement as a cautionary tale, highlighting the financial and reputational consequences of spreading false information.
For Cardi B, the outcome marks a partial victory in her efforts to hold Tasha K accountable, though the lengthy legal battle continues to reflect broader tensions between celebrities and media figures who engage in sensationalist reporting.
With this settlement, both parties move toward resolving a highly publicized legal dispute, but Cardi B retains leverage should further legal action be necessary to collect the remaining damages.
