When Jokes Cross the Line - What Cardi B's Comments Really Reveal

When Jokes Cross the Line

What Cardi B's Comments Really Reveal

Phatabulous Magazine Staff

Growing up, I was always the fat one. There were other girls with my name, but I was always described as

“the short fat one.”

I hated it. I never got so used to it that I was okay with it, I just learned not to lash out every time. Most of the

time, I let it go because I realized people weren’t trying to get a rise out of me. Maybe they didn’t know.

Maybe they didn’t care. But the truth is, it always hurt.

That’s why when Cardi B, one of the most recognizable celebrities in the world, made recent comments that

many found fatphobic, it struck a nerve. While speaking with fans online about her WWE t-shirts selling out,

Cardi joked:

“The box sets are completely sold out, especially because you fat fks — clearly you guys are fat as fk,

no Chick-fil-A for y’all.”

She went on to say:

“Now, knowing that my fans is fat, I can’t even make fun of fat people no more.

Don’t call me fatphobic, y’all, ’cause everybody make fun of my BBL.”

Cardi added that because she had been body-shamed herself, she had the right to joke about other people’s bodies.These remarks didn’t sit well with many, and clips of the live quickly went viral. Fans and advocates began

calling her comments fatphobic, sparking debates across social media.

According to the Macmillan Dictionary, fatphobia is the “irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against obesity or people with obesity.” While the term suggests fear, in practice, it often shows up as bias, stigma, or cruel humor directed at fat people.

The backlash grew after size inclusivity advocate Samyra criticized Cardi’s comments. Samyra's initial response (on TikTok) was to point out the issue of artists' lack of consideration for their plus-size fans, highlighting how 3XL isn't truly representative of inclusive sizing, according to Newsweek.

She challenged Cardi's defense that since she gets made fun of for her body, she can make fun of others, saying: "Just because someone else makes a joke doesn't mean you have to make it, too.". Samyra also recommended books on fatphobia to help Cardi B understand the seriousness of the issue. 

However, when Cardi B responded by telling Samyra to "shut up" and that the situation was "not that serious", Samyra further addressed the situation, stating that Cardi's words normalized hostility and prejudice towards plus-size women. Samyra also revealed that she had been subjected to targeted harassment, including comments and messages attacking her appearance, following her video, and announced a temporary hiatus from social media for her mental health. 

Cardi responded by doubling down, saying the comments were just “innocent jokes” between her and her fans.

She refused to apologize, claiming she pokes fun at everyone, regardless of size.

This response fueled more criticism. Some fans defended her, while others accused her of dismissing valid

concerns. Samyra herself faced online harassment from Cardi’s fanbase, which became so intense she stepped

away from social media for her mental health.

The conversation only grew louder when Samyra’s mother released a supportive video, prompting Cardi to post

yet another clip. This time, she said she would never apologize to plus-size people or to Samyra,

only to Samyra’s mom.

The internet remained divided. Some praised Samyra for consistently calling out size discrimination,

while others felt her methods were exhausting and not helpful.

Lost in all the noise is a simple truth: when brands like Cardi B’s release merchandise, plus-size options often

sell out quickly because far fewer are produced. What looks like overwhelming demand is often just

underproduction.

Beyond that, this controversy highlights how society talks about fatness. Many people throw around the word

“fatphobia,” but in reality, most aren’t afraid of fat people, they’re biased against them.

That bias shows up in jokes, exclusion from fashion, and outright discrimination.

Social stigma of obesity is real. It follows people from childhood through adulthood, shaping how they are seen,

treated, and even how they see themselves. And while celebrities might pass off their words as “jokes,”

the impact is no laughing matter.

👀 The Cardi B vs. Samyra drama is ALL in one video—mom’s response + internet reactions included!

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments (they might land in the next printed issue of Phatabulous Magazine!)

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