Cardi B forcefully shut down a viral rumor claiming her father was arrested for attempted rape in 1993, responding with an angry and emotional statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday. In the process, the Bronx rapper appeared to take a pointed jab at Nicki Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, who was convicted of attempted rape in 1995.
“First thing first, my dad never been arrested in this country,” Cardi wrote. “My dad is an immigrant from the Dominican Republic. He would be deported if he committed such a disgusting crime.” She went on to condemn the rumor as malicious and warned those spreading it to stop involving her family. “I don’t know why y’all like playing these games just to be fake mad when I post who got real mugshots, real evidence, and real cases for rape. Stop playing with me and my family and leave me the fck alone before I start some sht today.”
Fans quickly rallied behind Cardi in the replies, offering messages of support and encouragement. “These people lie to make themselves feel good. Keep doing your thing, Cardi—misery loves company,” one supporter wrote. Another suggested she pursue legal action, urging her to sue for defamation.
The controversy follows renewed tension between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, who exchanged a series of heated social media shots back in October. What began as trolling over Cardi’s relationship with NFL star Stefon Diggs escalated into deeply personal attacks, with both artists dragging family members into the dispute.
Diggs himself is currently dealing with legal trouble, facing charges of felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery following allegations made by his ex-private chef last month. Cardi briefly came to his defense in a post that was later deleted but captured by TMZ. “Not once has that woman said anything to me about being touched… not once!!” she wrote.
Amid ongoing rumors and online warfare, Cardi B made it clear that false narratives about her family are off-limits—and that she’s prepared to respond aggressively when lines are crossed.
