Cardi B alleges Offset wants to hold her hostage amid pregnancy and divorce

Cardi B publicly claimed that her estranged husband, Offset, is attempting to hold her hostage through financial leverage as she pursues a divorce and a pregnancy. Speaking during an X livestream on Monday, Sept. 22, the rapper said, "The only reason why I’m still married is because somebody wants me to pay for their taxes." She added that, under the terms of a contract, she could be forced to remain legally bound unless she pays millions or relinquishes property to exit the marriage.

She stressed that she and Offset are legally separated but described the dynamic as if they were still together, noting that she feels bound by contractual conditions. "On a contract, I’m practically still married, because somebody [wants to] hold me hostage if I don’t give them millions of dollars to get out of it," she said. In defending her situation, Cardi B told followers, "Stop saying, oh, but you’re still married. No, I’m legally separated." She also addressed her current family life, saying, "I have three kids with one man that I married. Yes, I’m having a baby with somebody else. So what? That happens, it’s life."

In broader remarks, Cardi B noted that while she is pregnant, she remains focused on her life and career, and she pushed back on criticisms that she has multiple baby daddies. "Let me tell you something – I did things the correct way the first time. I fell in love. I got two rings on my finger. I lasted seven years, seven years that I didn’t have to last with somebody. I lasted seven years in a marriage." She said she would continue to live life on her terms while navigating the high-profile relationship.

The public comments come as Offset, born Kiari Cephus, has been involved in ongoing divorce proceedings with Cardi B. TMZ reported in May that Offset filed an amended divorce response seeking spousal support and joint custody of the couple’s three children: Kulture Kiari, 7; Wave Set, 4; and Blossom Belle, 1. The Post said it reached out to Offset’s representative for comment but did not receive an immediate reply. Earlier this month, Cardi B confirmed she is expecting a child with her current boyfriend, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, while continuing to navigate the divorce proceedings with Offset. Billboard published remarks from Cardi B in which she said she had tried to envision a lasting friendship with Offset, but that such a prospect was unlikely.

Cardi B and Offset began dating in 2017 and married later that year. The couple has publicly weathered a tumultuous on‑and‑off relationship, including divorce filings in 2020 and again in 2024. Their family has grown to three children, and Cardi B has spoken openly about balancing motherhood with her increasingly visible career in music and entertainment. The current conversation around custody, taxes, and legal status underscores the tension between the couple as both move forward with their lives.