After years of legal wrangling, Cardi B has begun receiving the first installments of her $3.9 million defamation judgment against controversial YouTuber Tasha K. The structured repayment agreement marks a significant milestone in the high-profile case that spotlighted the consequences of online defamation in the digital age.
Settlement structure reflects financial realities
The settlement arrangement, recently approved by the court, establishes a quarterly payment system based on Tasha K’s income rather than mandating fixed payment amounts. Under court order, Tasha K—whose legal name is Latasha Kebe—must submit regular income reports to California authorities to verify her earnings and determine appropriate payment amounts.
This flexible approach balances Cardi B’s right to compensation while acknowledging Kebe’s financial situation following her bankruptcy filing. The agreement specifically prioritizes the defamation judgment within Kebe’s broader debt repayment plan, ensuring the rapper receives precedence among creditors.
Five-year timeline established
Court documents reveal that Kebe will pay approximately $1.2 million over the next five years as part of the initial settlement phase. This represents roughly one-third of the total judgment. After this period concludes, Cardi B maintains the legal right to pursue collection of the remaining $2.7 million, providing a pathway toward eventual full compensation.
The judge’s February 24 decision to uphold the entire $3.9 million judgment reinforced the gravity of the defamation case and rejected attempts to reduce the financial penalty. This judicial backing strengthens the settlement’s foundation and prevents potential attempts to minimize the consequences of the defamatory statements.
Protection through non-disparagement provisions
A critical component of the settlement includes a comprehensive non-disparagement clause that prohibits Kebe from making negative statements about Cardi B moving forward. This provision serves as both practical protection for the rapper’s reputation and symbolic acknowledgment of the harm caused by previous false claims.
Interestingly, the agreement applies these restrictions asymmetrically—Cardi B faces no similar limitations on her speech regarding Kebe. This imbalance reflects the court’s recognition of the power dynamics at play and the need to prevent further reputational damage to the plaintiff.
Legal teams frame agreement differently
Lisa Moore, representing Cardi B, characterized the settlement as a definitive victory after years of litigation. In a statement following the agreement, Moore emphasized the “unprecedented and protective plan” established for her client, framing it as the conclusion of a prolonged chapter involving “lies, deception, and fraudulent conveyance” by Kebe and her associates.
From Kebe’s perspective, her legal team positioned the settlement as a pragmatic resolution that allows their client to continue her career while meeting financial obligations. They highlighted how the agreement aligns with bankruptcy’s fundamental purpose by establishing an organized repayment structure that avoids extended court battles.
Broader implications for online content creators
The case establishes significant precedent for accountability in digital media spaces, particularly for content creators who build audiences through provocative or sensationalized coverage of celebrities. While Kebe’s bankruptcy filing attempted to shield her from financial consequences, the court’s decision to maintain the defamation judgment demonstrates that bankruptcy protections have limits when applied to intentional wrongdoing.
For other online personalities who operate in similar spaces, the outcome serves as a sobering reminder that the First Amendment has boundaries—particularly when content crosses into demonstrably false claims presented as fact rather than opinion.
Looking forward
As payments begin flowing to Cardi B, this resolution marks a significant milestone in her multiyear quest for accountability. The structured nature of the settlement means the financial aspects of the case will continue unfolding over the next half-decade, potentially keeping both parties connected through legal obligations despite the non-disparagement provisions.
The case joins a growing body of legal precedents addressing how traditional defamation law applies in digital contexts. As courts continue navigating these issues, the Cardi B judgment offers guidance on how to balance free speech protections with meaningful consequences for harmful falsehoods in online spaces.
Meanwhile, both women continue their respective careers—Cardi B as one of music’s most recognizable voices and Kebe as a content creator now operating under significant legal constraints regarding one of the entertainment industry’s most prominent figures.
