Cardi B isn’t having it. The rapper recently jumped to defend Vybz Kartel after the dancehall legend, newly released from prison, was mocked online for his looks.
Vybz Kartel, who has been battling the autoimmune condition Graves’ disease, faces symptoms like bulging eyes and skin discoloration. The internet wasn’t kind, but Cardi wasn’t about to let the slander slide.
During an X Spaces session, Cardi passionately voiced her disapproval. “I do not play about fucking Vybz Kartel. When I see y’all fucking Americans… No offense, no offense. I mean, I’m American, but when I see y’all talking about fucking Vybz Kartel, I be getting upset ’cause, like, not too much. Not too fucking much. Mind your fucking business. I do not play about fucking Vybz Kartel, bitch. At all. At all. I do not, I do not, I do not.” she exclaimed.
Her comments seemed to respond to recent Instagram posts from Kartel. In these posts, his skin appeared lighter and he didn’t look his healthiest. Some accused him of bleaching his skin, adding fuel to the fire.
Vybz Kartel’s release from prison earlier this month, after his murder conviction was overturned, has been a hot topic. He spent over a decade behind bars. Hip hop heavyweights like Drake, Nicki Minaj, and DJ Khaled celebrated his return.
Kartel, now 48, faced numerous health challenges during his incarceration. He often complained about his medical issues. In June, his attorney, Isat Buchanan, spoke to Lisa Evers of FOX 5 News, revealing the severity of Kartel’s condition.
“Mr. Palmer’s illness is actually life-threatening,” Buchanan explained. “His neck was swollen, if you think of a shirt that is about 18.5 inches in the neck area, you couldn’t close the collar on his neck and that’s how bad it is in this moment.” He added, “His face is actually swollen. And one other thing. He always wears glasses; in this condition, that causes his eyes to protrude.”
Kartel was often held in solitary confinement for up to 23 hours a day. His attorneys argued this prevented him from getting clean air, worsening his health. It was also revealed that Kartel required life-saving surgery, as untreated Graves’ disease can be fatal.
Cardi B’s fierce defense serves as a reminder of the human side behind public figures. While the internet can be ruthless, it’s clear that health issues should be approached with empathy, not mockery.
