Cardi B has emerged victorious in her defamation lawsuit against a gossip blogger.
The rapper sued Latasha Kebe, better known as Tasha K, in March 2019 for spreading false information about her online, including claims that she had contracted multiple STIs, used drugs, and worked as a prostitute.
After a week-plus long trial in federal court, Tasha was found liable on all three claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She has been ordered to pay Cardi $1.25 million, consisting of $1 million for “pain and suffering and/or reputational injury,” and $250,000 for medical expenses, according to Rolling Stone.
In her YouTube videos, which received millions of views, Tasha said Cardi’s baby might be born with intellectual disabilities, insinuating that Cardi was doing drugs during her pregnancy.
While taking the stand, Cardi broke down in tears as she described to the jury how she felt about the false claims.
“I felt extremely suicidal,” Cardi told the court. “Only an evil person could do that shit.”
After the verdict was announced, Tasha K released a statement on Twitter. “My Husband, Attorney’s, & I fought really hard,” she wrote. “I want to thank them for their long hours and sleepless nights. Winos it’s only up from here. See y’all in a few days. Back to work.”
Tasha also faces punitive damages, which will be determined at a hearing on Tuesday.