A federal jury on Monday (1/24) sided with rapper Cardi B on her accusations that a YouTuber waged a “malicious campaign” to hurt the superstar’s reputation, the judge issued a verdict that the woman had defamed the rapper and awarding the star more than $1 million in damages.
Following a two-week trial that featured testimony from both women, the jury returned a verdict that Latasha Kebe was liable for defamation and two other forms of wrongdoing over her YouTube videos and other internet posts — which claimed that Cardi B had contracted herpes, among other unsavory rumors.
Monday’s verdict awarded Cardi B $1.25 million in damages, but the total could potentially end up higher. Proceedings will kick off Tuesday to decide whether Kebe owes additional punitive damages, or whether she must reimburse Cardi B for her legal expenses.
Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Almánzar, sued Kebe in 2019 over dozens of videos that contained shocking claims about the rapper. Billboard and other sources reported that one video cited in the lawsuit includes a statement alleging that Cardi B “f—ed herself with beer bottles on f—ing stripper stages.” Others said she had contracted herpes; that she had been a prostitute; that she had cheated on her husband; and that she had done hard drugs.
