Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B has hit back at social media users advising her to remain single following her recent breakup, insisting she has every right to move on with her life despite growing speculation linking her to Nigerian footballer Maduka Okoye.
The outspoken rapper, born Belcalis Almánzar, addressed the issue in a candid audio message that quickly went viral on social media.
Cardi expressed frustration with people constantly telling her to focus on herself instead of pursuing another relationship.
According to the 33-year-old musician, she has already spent enough time on her own and sees no reason to remain single indefinitely simply because the public expects it.
“I’ve been single throughout my whole tour,” she said, explaining that she had avoided dating and focused on herself for months before deciding to enjoy life again.
Cardi added that while she has been spending time with friends, traveling and having fun, she still desires companionship.
She admitted she may need to be more careful when choosing romantic partners in the future but made it clear she would not apologize for dating again.
Her remarks come just weeks after she sparked dating rumours with Nigerian international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye during Paris Fashion Week.
The pair were first seen interacting at the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture show before later being spotted dining together with friends at a luxury restaurant in Italy, further fueling speculation that they could be romantically involved.
However, neither Cardi nor Okoye has publicly confirmed that they are in a relationship.
The rumours have generated intense discussion online, especially after videos of the pair enjoying each other’s company circulated across social media platforms.
At the same time, several viral claims surrounding the alleged romance have also been debunked.
A widely shared image purporting to show Cardi B kissing Okoye on a balcony in Paris was found to be digitally manipulated, with fact-checkers confirming that no such incident took place.
The speculation has also placed Okoye’s personal life under increased scrutiny.
In recent days, his former partner, Jelicia Westhoff, publicly accused the Udinese goalkeeper of neglecting their child and made additional allegations of abuse and infidelity.
Okoye has not publicly responded to the claims, and the allegations remain unverified. Westhoff has clarified that her frustrations are directed at Okoye and not at Cardi B.
Cardi B’s latest comments also come after the end of her relationship with NFL star Stefon Diggs.
The rapper has been open about rebuilding her personal life following the split, emphasizing that she refuses to let public opinion dictate her happiness.
Despite constant attention on her love life, Cardi insisted she is determined to live life on her own terms, arguing that everyone deserves companionship when the time feels right.
With neither Cardi B nor Maduka Okoye confirming the dating rumours, fans continue to speculate about the nature of their relationship, but for now, the rapper appears more focused on silencing critics than explaining her private life.
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