I didn’t know how to tell the world – Cardi B reveals as she confirms separation from Offset

Cardi B revealed her separation from Offset in an Instagram Live session on Sunday night, confirming that she had been single for a while. The 31-year-old rapper admitted that she was hesitant to share the news earlier because she didn’t know how to convey it to the world.

The rapper, whose embattled husband was reportedly involved in an amorous relationship with Chrisean Rock, said she remains optimistic about her future post-separation from Offset. She was however curious about what a “new life” and a “new beginning” held for her but added that she was excited about this new stage.

Fans earlier observed that both Cardi (born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar) and Offset (born Kiari Kendrell Cephus) recently unfollowed each other on social media, according to Daily Mail. Cardi in an Instagram story post indicated that “You know sometimes you just outgrow relationships.”

She subsequently posted, “I’m tired of protecting people’s feelings… I GOTTA PUT MYSELF FIRST.” Days after her fashion runway debut at Balenciaga’s Fall 2024 Fashion Show, Cardi attended a party in West Hollywood.

Offset posted a cryptic clip from Scarface on Instagram, featuring a character expressing self-reliance with lines like, “Who put this thing together? Me. That’s who. Who do I trust? Me.” While it’s unclear if directed at Cardi, Offset has not posted anything since his wife’s Instagram story posts.

The recent separation isn’t the first time Cardi and Offset have faced challenges in their tumultuous relationship. The couple met at an industry event in 2016, began dating in January 2017, and released a song together called “Lick.” Cardi referred to Offset as her friend during the Super Bowl, and he later disclosed that it was their first real date, marked by a kissing Instagram post on Valentine’s Day 2017.

Cardi, who was initially discreet about her relationship with Offset in the summer, dropped marriage hints at the VMAs in August 2017. Less than a month later, the couple secretly married in Fulton County, Georgia, a revelation that surfaced publicly in June 2018. Offset proposed to Cardi on stage in October 2017, despite being legally married. In January 2018, rumors emerged of Offset’s alleged infidelity, including claims of a sex tape with another woman.

In February 2018, Cardi defended her choice to stay with Offset, stating, “It’s not right, what he f***ing did—but people don’t know what I did, ’cause I ain’t no angel.” Pregnancy rumors circulated shortly after, confirmed by Cardi during a Saturday Night Live performance, leading to the birth of their daughter Kulture in June 2018.

Despite splitting in December 2018 amid cheating rumors, Offset’s public plea at Cardi’s Rolling Loud performance led to their reconciliation a month later. The couple attended the Grammys in 2019, where Cardi made history as the first solo female artist to win Best Rap Album. Cardi confirmed Offset’s cheating in December 2019, despite the couple appearing strong in 2020. The rapper however filed for divorce in September.

They reconciled, exchanged lavish gifts, and welcomed their second child in September 2021. While seemingly stable, Cardi admitted in September that marriage wasn’t on her mind. The two commemorated their sixth wedding anniversary this past September as well.