Cardi B
AFP News

Cardi B's inner circle has broken its silence after social media erupted with backlash over why NFL star Stefon Diggs was not with the rapper and their newborn son on Christmas Day.

As speculation spiralled online, with critics questioning Diggs' priorities and parenting, Cardi B's close friend Ken Barbie stepped in to shut down the narrative, offering a blunt explanation that reframed the controversy and highlighted the complicated realities of blended families.

The debate ignited after Diggs shared holiday posts that showed him spending Christmas away from Cardi and the baby, triggering a wave of commentary across X and Instagram. While Cardi herself stayed silent, the scrutiny quickly escalated, forcing her inner circle to address the growing backlash.

Cardi B's BFF Claps Back at Christmas Criticism

Ken Barbie, a long-time friend and outspoken defender of Cardi B, took to social media to explain why Diggs' Christmas did not include the rapper and their newborn son. He pushed back against accusations of neglect, stressing that the situation was being oversimplified by outsiders.

'Cardi has her own kids, Stefon does to. If baby moms are on some "my kids can't come unless I'm there" then that's just what it is but my nieces and nephews ain't gonna be around it. There's no secrets, no surprises. They're still a fairly new couple, so shit would just have to be figured over time. It is what it is,' Ken wrote.

His comments immediately shifted the conversation, reframing the issue as one of co-parenting boundaries rather than absence or abandonment.

Blended Families and Public Scrutiny

According to Ken, both Cardi B and Diggs are navigating parenting across multiple households, a reality that can complicate how major holidays are spent. He suggested that external expectations ignore the logistics and sensitivities involved when children from previous relationships are part of the picture.

The situation also highlighted how celebrity relationships are often judged against unrealistic standards, particularly when they are still in the early stages. Ken emphasised that there were no hidden conflicts or drama, only circumstances that require time and adjustment.

Why Cardi Stayed Silent

Despite the noise online, Cardi B chose not to publicly address the controversy herself, allowing her inner circle to clarify the situation instead. Fans noted that the rapper has previously spoken about protecting her family's privacy, especially when it comes to her children.

Ken's remarks appeared to draw a line under the speculation, underscoring that not every holiday moment needs to be shared or explained, even for high-profile couples.

A Reality Check for Fans

The episode has sparked broader discussion about blended families, co-parenting arrangements and the pressure placed on public figures to conform to idealised family narratives.

The Reason Behind Stefon Diggs' Christmas Absence

The explanation centred on Diggs choosing to spend Christmas with some of his other children, several of whom are very young. Ken Barbie stated that prioritising time with existing children was deliberate and necessary, particularly when co-parenting arrangements involve different mothers and boundaries around holiday access.

He added that if Diggs had failed to spend time with his other children, that decision would have attracted equal outrage. The message was clear that the situation was not new and had been openly discussed throughout the year.

Pushing Back on Claims of Neglect

Online reaction to Diggs' Christmas posts quickly escalated, with some accusing the wide receiver of overlooking his newborn son with Cardi B. Ken Barbie directly rejected that framing, stating that Diggs did acknowledge his son during the holiday period.

Diggs reposted an image of Cardi B holding their baby, which Ken cited as evidence that the relationship and shared parenting were not being ignored. The distinction, he argued, was between physical presence on a specific day and ongoing parental involvement.

Why Cardi B Stayed Silent

While fans questioned why Cardi B did not address the situation herself, Ken Barbie positioned his comments as an effort to shield her from escalating online conflict. He stated that Cardi B would never support a partner who failed to acknowledge or care for his children.

Ken also suggested that Cardi's silence reflected an attempt to avoid turning a family matter into a prolonged public dispute, particularly given the level of scrutiny already surrounding her personal life.

Context Around Cardi B and Stefon Diggs

Cardi B and Stefon Diggs first sparked romance rumours earlier this year before confirming their relationship months later. The pregnancy announcement followed shortly after, adding to public attention at a time when Cardi B was also navigating a divorce from rapper Offset.

Diggs, meanwhile, has children with multiple women, including a baby confirmed through a recent paternity case. Ken Barbie noted that this broader family context is central to understanding why Christmas did not unfold the way many assumed.

As the backlash continues, the comments from Cardi B's BFF have shifted the focus from accusation to explanation, highlighting the complexities behind a story that initially appeared far simpler than reality.