In the tangled aftermath of their high-profile split, Cardi B and Offset find themselves not only navigating the emotional complexities of divorce but also the financial intricacies that come with co-parenting three young children. The recent legal developments and personal revelations have sparked widespread debate about gender roles, financial responsibility, and public perception in the world of celebrity divorces.
Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, and Offset, legally Kiari Cephus, married in 2017, quickly becoming one of hip-hop’s most influential power couples. Their union produced three children: Kulture, born in July 2018; Wave, born in September 2020; and their youngest, Blossom, born in July 2024, just after their divorce was finalized. Despite their public displays of affection and artistic collaborations, their relationship fractured amid rumors of infidelity and creative differences.
In August 2024, Cardi filed for divorce in Fulton County, Georgia, citing irreconcilable differences. The split quickly turned contentious, culminating in Offset’s amended filing in May 2025, where he requested both joint custody and need-based alimony from Cardi. This move ignited a firestorm of controversy, as many fans and commentators expressed disbelief and frustration at a man seeking spousal support, a scenario often clouded by societal stigma.
Georgia law, however, is clear and gender-neutral when it comes to alimony. According to O.C.G.A. § 19-5-6, spousal support is determined by financial need and the ability to pay, not by gender. Legal experts note that while both Cardi and Offset earn seven-figure incomes, the courts will closely examine Offset’s actual financial circumstances, including his ability to support himself and his children. Offset’s claim did not specify an exact amount but cited the financial burdens of co-parenting and maintaining a household.
The public reaction was swift and, in many cases, harsh. Cardi B herself reposted a fan comment accusing Offset of leveraging alimony to "mess with Cardi now that she’s moved on." The comment read, "Offset stayed in Cardi’s purse while they were together. Cheated by having his girls in HER HOMES!!!! Now he’s asking for spousal support. A cheater is asking for spousal support? He has no shame." By amplifying this sentiment, Cardi underscored the prevailing stigma faced by men who seek spousal support, despite the legal framework that supports their right to do so if financially justified.
The tension between the two stars extends beyond legal filings. Cardi recently opened up about the extensive financial commitments she shoulders for the upbringing of their children, revealing a staggering monthly expenditure that surprised many fans. From a driver retained at $10,000 a month who serves all three children to private school tuition fees for Kulture (which Cardi claims Offset has not contributed to, amounting to around $45,000), the costs add up quickly.
Cardi detailed the rigorous schedule her children maintain, with Kulture attending piano classes three times a week at $300 per hour, alongside gymnastics, and Wave participating in boxing lessons. Both Kulture and Wave also receive tutoring four times weekly. To manage the children’s care, Cardi employs a nanny paid $500 per daytime shift and a cousin who babysits for $3,000 a week. Additionally, a personal chef is on hand from 7 A.M. to 5 P.M. to prepare meals, a necessity given the family’s busy lifestyle.
Security is another significant expense. Cardi disclosed that she maintains a 24-hour security team outside her home, citing past threats as the reason for this constant vigilance. She emphasized that all these expenses are covered by her own earnings, stating, "I bought that s**t with my sweat and tears. You have left me with the kids' bill." This statement highlights the financial pressure she feels, particularly as Offset’s request for spousal support suggests a reversal of traditional roles.
The dispute has also spilled into the media, with Offset’s representatives reportedly claiming that Cardi was demanding everything in the divorce, a claim Cardi vehemently denied in a heated response on The Breakfast Club radio show. Her candid remarks underscored the acrimony between the former couple and the challenges they face in resolving their differences amicably.
Legal analysts predict that Offset’s bid for alimony will be closely scrutinized. Given Cardi’s diversified earnings from music, endorsements, and business ventures, alongside Offset’s continued involvement in lucrative projects, the court will weigh their respective financial resources carefully. The judge will consider factors such as each party’s income, earning capacity, the standard of living established during the marriage, and the needs of the children.
This case shines a spotlight on broader societal issues surrounding gender and financial support in divorce proceedings. While women seeking alimony is often normalized, men requesting spousal support still face skepticism and judgment. Cardi’s public sharing of fan outrage reflects this cultural bias, even as the law remains impartial.
As the legal battle unfolds, the couple must also navigate the complexities of joint custody arrangements for Kulture, Wave, and Blossom. Offset’s amended filing requests that the children’s primary residence be designated at Cardi’s home, a move that may influence custody dynamics and the division of parenting responsibilities.
Ultimately, the story of Cardi B and Offset’s post-divorce financial and custodial disputes offers a vivid example of the challenges faced by modern celebrity couples. It exposes the tension between public perception and legal realities, the evolving roles of men and women in family law, and the immense financial commitments involved in raising children in the spotlight.
As fans and observers watch closely, the outcome of this case could influence how similar disputes are viewed and handled in the future, potentially breaking down outdated stigmas and promoting a more equitable understanding of financial support after divorce.
