Cardi B has firmly denied rumors suggesting she purchased her own luxury handbags and presented them as gifts from her ex-husband, Offset, amid ongoing public scrutiny of their high-profile split. The rapper, whose real name is Belcalis Almanzar, addressed the claims directly on social media after a fan accused her of misleading followers about her extravagant lifestyle during their marriage.
On Saturday, April 11, Cardi responded to a clip shared by a fan on X, formerly Twitter, showing her unwrapping a handbag. The fan alleged, “buying her own bags this whole time and letting y’all think Offset was spoiling her.” Cardi shot back, “NEVER …I’m never the type to do lame s*** like that …there was no money problems when I was regulating.” Her denial highlights the intense fan interest in her personal finances and relationships, especially given her well-documented collection of ultra-exclusive Hermès Birkin bags, estimated by some to be worth more than $2 million.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Cardi, who has been navigating life post-separation from Offset, whose real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus. The couple married in 2017 and share three children: daughter Kulture Kiari Cephus, 7, son Wave Set Cephus, 4, and daughter Blossom Belle Cephus, 1. Cardi announced in December 2023 that she had been “single for a minute now,” and she filed for divorce the following July. Offset, 34, also has children from previous relationships, including sons Jordan Cephus, 16, and Kody Cephus, 11, and daughter Kalea Marie Cephus, 11.
Adding to the personal drama, Cardi recently welcomed her fourth child, a boy, with NFL player Stefon Diggs in November 2025, marking a new chapter in her life separate from Offset. However, the former couple's co-parenting dynamics remain under public watch, with fans dissecting every social media post and public appearance for clues about their reconciliation or ongoing tensions.
Cardi's extensive Birkin collection has long been a point of fascination, symbolizing the opulence associated with her rise to fame through hits like “Bodak Yellow.” These bags, known for their rarity and high price tags often exceeding six figures each, are typically acquired through years of client relationships with Hermès. While Cardi has never detailed the origins of each piece, her response to the rumor underscores her independence and success as a self-made artist, having built a net worth estimated in the tens of millions through music, endorsements, and ventures like her fashion line.
Meanwhile, Offset has been recovering from a recent shooting incident that has drawn significant attention. On Monday, April 6, he was injured near the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, suffering non-life-threatening wounds. According to reports, the incident occurred in the valet area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, prompting a swift response from authorities.
Florida police detained two people in connection with the shooting, though no further details on charges have been released. Separately, rapper Lil Tjay was arrested on a misdemeanor disorderly conduct-affray charge for allegedly becoming involved in a fight prior to the gunfire. Lil Tjay's attorney, Dawn M. Florio, issued a statement vehemently denying any involvement by the artist in the shooting itself.
“We are issuing this release in regards to false rumors that Lil Tjay was involved in a shooting which occurred at the Valet Area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood which [resulted] in non-life-threatening injuries to Offset, formerly a member of Migos,” Florio said. “Lil Tjay has not been shot, nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting. Any reporting to the contrary is false. We encourage people to consult trusted news sources, and to verify the accuracy of any reporting, before reflexively sharing or repeating baseless rumors.”
The statement from Florio emphasizes the rapid spread of misinformation in the age of social media, particularly in celebrity circles where rumors can escalate quickly. Cardi has not publicly commented on the shooting, focusing instead on her own narrative amid the bag controversy.
Offset spent much of the week following the incident in a Florida hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries. His representative confirmed on Friday, April 10, that he had been discharged. “Offset has been released from the hospital, and he is up and walking,” the rep told Us Weekly. “We’re incredibly grateful to the doctors, nurses and the entire hospital staff who took such great care of him.”
In a personal update shared with fans, Offset expressed gratitude and determination. “Thank you to everyone who’s checked in on me and showed me love! I’m good … but I’m planning to be better,” he said. “I’m focused on my family, my recovery and getting back to the music … realizing that life is made up of quiet wins and loud losses … Life’s a gamble, and I’m still playing to win.” His words reflect a resilient mindset, common among artists in the hip-hop community who often face violence and adversity.
Reports indicate that Offset had been “hanging out with fans” moments before the shooting, adding a layer of unpredictability to the event. The incident has reignited discussions about safety concerns for celebrities in public spaces, especially in entertainment hubs like South Florida. While police have not released a motive, the detention of two individuals suggests an ongoing investigation.
The timing of Cardi's rumor denial coincides with these developments, potentially amplifying the narrative around the ex-couple's separate paths. Fans have speculated about indirect connections, though no evidence links the bag claims to the shooting. Cardi's post-marriage life, including her new relationship and expanding family, contrasts with Offset's focus on recovery and music, highlighting the divergent trajectories of two figures who once dominated headlines as a power couple.
Looking broader, the episode underscores the pressures of fame in the digital era, where personal purchases and private moments are dissected online. Cardi's swift rebuttal serves as a reminder of her unapologetic persona, built on authenticity and directness. As she continues to regulate her career—touring, releasing music, and managing her brand—the rumors appear to be just another hurdle in a career marked by triumphs and trials.
For Offset, the shooting represents a stark reminder of the risks inherent in his lifestyle. As a former member of the influential rap group Migos, he has navigated fame's highs and lows, from chart-topping success to personal setbacks. His emphasis on family and music in his recovery statement suggests a pivot toward stability, even as legal matters surrounding the incident unfold.
Authorities in Florida have not provided further updates on the investigation, and Cardi B's silence on the shooting leaves room for speculation about their current rapport. With both artists maintaining active social media presences, future posts may offer more insight into their individual journeys. For now, the public remains captivated by the blend of glamour, gossip, and grit that defines their stories.