Cardi B Defends Maternity Shoot After Backlash Over Controversial Graffiti in Background
4 min read
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Cardi B’ latest maternity photo shoot has sparked a wave of controversy after fans noticed a disturbing detail in the background. The Grammy-winning rapper, known for her bold and unapologetic style, posted a series of photos on Instagram on September 1, 2024, showcasing her baby bump while posing on a motorcycle. However, what caught fans’ attention was not the fashion or the setting, but the word “pedophile” scrawled in graffiti on the wall behind her.
The images, intended to be a celebration of her pregnancy, quickly drew criticism from fans who were shocked and confused by the presence of such a word in a maternity photo shoot. Many felt that the choice of location was inappropriate, given the nature of the graffiti. Some even speculated that the photos were a deliberate attempt to take a dig at Cardi’s long-time rival, Nicki Minaj, and her husband, Kenneth Petty, who has a controversial past.
Social media erupted with reactions, with many users expressing their disbelief. One person on X (formerly known as Twitter) wrote, “Omg Cardi B is so weird for that like huhhhh? To have that word in your maternity shoot is crazyyyyy.” Another commented, “I don’t even understand making that pedophile Cardi B maternity pic a moment to shade Nicki. Like no. Take Nicki out and it’s weird regardless. These celebs are very nasty and perverted! They show us constantly.”
As the backlash grew, Cardi B took to social media to address the situation. In a series of posts on X, the rapper explained the circumstances behind the photo shoot. She revealed that the location was chosen at random due to the pressure of paparazzi hounding her at every turn. According to Cardi, the photos were taken quickly and had to be edited on the spot because the shoot had been leaked before she was ready to announce her pregnancy.
“First of all, we literally picked a random street because paparazzi was hounding us everywhere,” Cardi wrote. “This was supposed to be my original first picture, and we had to edit the photos in minutes because the shoot got leaked.” She emphasized that the graffiti was not something she or her team had noticed during the hurried shoot. “Didn’t even have time to go over every detail because people were busy trying to expose my pregnancy as an ‘aha’ moment,” she added.
First of all we literally picked a random street because paparazzi was hounding us everywhere.. this was supposed to be my original first picture and we had to edit the photos in minutes because the shoot got leaked. Didn’t even have time to go over every detail because people… https://t.co/AyHerH9PAr
— Cardi B (@iamcardib) September 2, 2024
Cardi also responded to accusations that the graffiti was left in the photo intentionally or that her team had failed to properly vet the location. She fired back at one fan, saying, “A team?? B**ch, my makeup artist touched up the picture because we didn’t have time for all that… nobody was paying attention to the graffiti.”
The rapper’s response did little to quell the controversy, as fans continued to debate the incident online. Some defended Cardi, arguing that the backlash was overblown, while others remained critical, accusing her of making excuses. “You used your own maternity shoot to be funny, you have an excuse for everything,” one user wrote.
Despite the ongoing criticism, Cardi B made it clear that she had no intention of engaging in further drama. She warned her critics, “If I’m saying I’m not on that time, don’t make me get on that time. Unwrist yourself!”
A team?? Btch my makeup artist touched up the picture because we didn’t have time for all that, it says the date and time nobody was paying attention to the graffiti… second if I wanted to be petty I would’ve posted a lot of memes last week.. I KEEP TELLIN YALL TO LEAVE ME THE… https://t.co/5P2RVOBCun pic.twitter.com/btMGUkFEzk
— Cardi B (@iamcardib) September 2, 2024
The incident has highlighted the intense scrutiny celebrities face over their social media content and how quickly things can spiral out of control in the age of the internet. Whether intentional or not, the controversial graffiti in Cardi B’s maternity shoot has certainly sparked a conversation—and as always, Cardi isn’t backing down.
The fact people think you would use a maternity shoot to be shady is crazy. They need to leave you alone bc you truly been minding your business.
— Female Rap Game (@femalerapgamee) September 2, 2024
side note: you ate that shoot, 10s.
Literally. I hate how people just overthink EVERYTHING on your content chile .
— FOLLOW @BEVEBRAND (@vixtoriousx) September 2, 2024
if anything it looks like yall added that last min on purpose. sloppy graffiti, makes no sense for it to be there beforehand
— ໊ (@stoleyen) September 2, 2024
lol girl you just mad that the #person your fanbase tried to make it about paid that ugly photoshoot dust, nobody wanna hear all that BS
— ℂ𝕪𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕣 (@cyngerseethal_) September 2, 2024
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
