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Cardi B is speaking out after another win in court.
The Grammy-winning rapper was awarded nearly $3 million in punitive damages and attorneys’ fees in her lawsuit against YouTuber Tasha Kebe, a.k.a. Tasha K, per Billboard.
Jurors ruled Tuesday that Kebe is responsible for $1 million in punitive damages, Variety reports. Her company Kebe Studios LLC was ordered to pay an additional $500,000. Kebe will also have to reimburse Cardi for the rapper’s legal costs, which add up to $1,338,753.47.
The latest award for Cardi B is in addition to the $1.25 million Kebe was ordered to pay the Hustlers star Monday, bringing the total to more than $4 million.
Related video: Cardi B covers funeral expenses for victims of Bronx fire
Kebe’s attorney Sadeer Sabbak said, according to the outlet, that the defense “disagree[s] with the verdict” and “will be filing an appeal.”
Cardi also said in a statement shared with PEOPLE, “After almost four years of repeated libel and slander against me, being able to walk away from this victorious brings me great happiness. I appreciate Judge Ray for conducting a fair and impartial trial.”
RELATED: Cardi B Awarded $1.25 Million in Libel Lawsuit Against YouTuber Accused of Making ‘Malicious’ Claims
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“I am grateful for the jury and their careful deliberation over the past two weeks. I am profoundly grateful for the hard work and support from my legal team. Most importantly, thank you to my family and close friends who held my hand and helped me get the support I needed during this experience.”
Seemingly referencing her moment during the trial when she testified that Kebe’s remarks caused her to be “extremely suicidal,” Cardi said in her statement that fans have “learned about the darkest time in my life,” sharing it was “fueled by the vile, disgusting, and completely false narratives that were repeatedly and relentlessly being shared online.”
“I thought I would never be heard or vindicated and I felt completely helpless and vulnerable,” Cardi added. “I have never taken for granted the platform that my fame allows me to have, which is why for over three years I dedicated every resource I had to seek justice.”
RELATED VIDEO: Cardi B to Cover Funeral Expenses for Victims of Bronx Fire: ‘I Needed to Do Something to Help’
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Cardi shared that she didn’t want “justice” solely for herself, noting that “the intentional harm that was done to me, is done to countless others every day.”
“The only difference between me and the high schooler who is being cyberbullied and lied on by their classmates is the money and resources I have access to,” she added. “We collectively have to say enough is enough. We can no longer be a society that turns a blind eye to blatant lies. The unchecked behavior and provably false content on platforms like YouTube have to be addressed and removed. The constant harassment and lies that are reported as factual from journalists and bloggers have to end.”
She shared that her career was launched on social media, “so I know the power it has,” adding that while social media has forged movements from Black Lives Matter to Stop Asian Hate and Women’s Rights, “we’ve also seen countless stories of children and adults deciding to take their own lives due to cyberbullying and intentional attacks.”
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If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
“So while I am very grateful that this trial has come to its conclusion and the jury has rendered a powerful and substantial message, literally—I really hope that my experience forces all of us, but especially the platforms who allow this behavior to be a part of their communities, to re-think what moves us forward as a society versus what cripples us.”
She ended with a message for those who have considered harming themselves. “If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for help at 1-800-273-TALK.”
In her lawsuit filed in March 2019, Cardi accused Kebe of making “malicious” claims against her, such as alleging the rapper was a prostitute, cheated on her husband, used cocaine, and contracted herpes and HPV, according to Rolling Stone.
She also said Kebe tried to “destroy” her career by intentionally making “false” claims about her.
Cardi alleged the “degrading and harassing” remarks first began around April 2018, when Kebe shared a video, via her YouTube channel unWinewithTashaK, claiming Cardi’s pregnancy with daughter Kulture, 3, could result in a child born with special needs.
Kebe previously denied any wrongdoing and attempted to file her own lawsuit against Cardi for assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress, alleging that the rapper “began to publicly trash” her on the internet, resulting in Kebe allegedly being threatened.
Judge William M. Ray II dismissed Kebe’s allegations in July, Rolling Stone reports.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Cardi B Speaks Out After Being Awarded Additional $3 Million in Slander Lawsuit Against YouTuber
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