Social media loves to be judge, jury, and executioner and it found its next story in Cardi B’s livestream. While on her LIVE with fans, she cracked a joke that instantly spiraled into a bigger conversation than she probably intended. Laughing at how quickly the biggest sizes sold out, Cardi told fans:
“The box sets are completely sold out—especially because you fat f**ks—clearly you guys are fat as f**k, no Chick-fil-A for y’all—the 3XL sold out like in 20 minutes.”
Her delivery was typical Cardi: bold, unapologetic, and sprinkled with the kind of energy her fans are used to. But this time, the joke hit differently. When she doubled down, saying, “Now I know my fans is fat. I can’t even make fun of fat people no more,” it shifted from a moment of banter to a statement that exposed a bigger issue.
Cardi B really put her foot down: “It’s not that serious… It was an innocent joke between me and my fans… I’m not gonna apologize because y’all are sensitive and wanna cry about some dumb sh*t.”
That’s when Samyra, a size-inclusivity activist, stepped in. In her response, she pointed out what many plus-size fans were already feeling:
“Just because someone else makes a joke doesn’t mean you have to make it too.”
Samyra reminded people that the lack of consideration for plus-size fans in artist merch has always been an issue, and watching one of the only sizes that fits you get turned into a punchline just adds insult to injury.
This is where the story really opens up. Cardi saw herself making a lighthearted comment, but Samyra saw—and voiced—the underlying reality. And honestly, she’s right. Fatphobia doesn’t just show up in hate-filled rants; it sneaks into the little things like the “harmless” jokes and casual digs that everyone is supposed to laugh at. The problem isn’t only what was said, it’s that it reinforces the idea that being plus-size is something laughable and less than.
Samyra got pushback, of course. Cardi told her to “shut the f**k up,” and the flood of harassment from fans was enough that Samyra announced she would step back from social media. But I think her willingness to step into the fire matters. A lot of people call her “sensitive” or accuse her of inserting herself into the conversation, but isn’t that what activism is? Speaking up when it would be easier to stay quiet? Naming the thing no one wants to talk about, even when you know you’ll be dragged for it?
Cardi does have a point, though, and I think it’s worth admitting. Not every moment is meant to be taken as deep social commentary. Sometimes a joke is just a joke especially when you’re an artist who’s built a whole career on being raw and unfiltered. But once it’s online, there’s no keeping it between “just me and my fans.” The internet has no walls. A throwaway joke can become a cultural headline in seconds, whether you meant it that way or not.
So, where do we land? Honestly, somewhere in the middle. I don’t think Cardi B is a fatphobe. But I do think this moment shows how quickly humor can cross into harm, especially for people who already carry the weight of being judged by their bodies every day. And I think Samyra’s response proves just how necessary it is to have people willing to call it out.
Because like it or not, this feud did something important by cracking open a conversation about fatphobia. It forced people to advocate for themselves, to discuss what activism is, and who gets to decide what’s “just a joke.” To me, that’s a win. Even if the whole thing started with messy internet drama, it’s shining a light on a truth that too often stays hidden.
And maybe, just maybe, the next time an artist thinks about clowning their fans for buying 3XL, they’ll pause and realize it’s not just a laugh. It’s a reflection of the culture we live in and one we desperately need to change.
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In Full Figure 
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