Cardi B Fires Back at BZR WKND Promoter, Threatens Countersuit

The Grammy-winning rapper disputes claims she received US$2.5 million, alleging missed production payments and threatening to countersue for defamation. “I have every single evidence,” she declared, adding, “I got the best lawyer in the game.”

Cardi B slams BZR WKND promoter over payment claims

What began as a highly anticipated performance in Jamaica has escalated into a potential legal battle between American rapper Cardi B and BZR WKND organizers.

American rapper Cardi B has fired back at BZR WKND CEO Ryan Burke over claims that she received US$2.5 million for her cancelled performance in Jamaica, threatening to countersue the promoter for defamation.

During an Instagram Live session on Monday evening, the Grammy-winning rapper disputed the payment allegations, insisting she received only a deposit of approximately US$1 million rather than the full amount claimed by organizers.

“You sent me a deposit of a million dollars for the show, 900k but no matter. Anybody, when you book me, you must send me a deposit. It’s like when you do your eyebrows; if your eyebrow lady is charging you a $100 she is going to tell you to send her a $50 deposit,” Cardi B explained.

According to the “Bodak Yellow” hitmaker, a second payment intended to cover production expenses was due on September 17 but failed to arrive on time, leaving arrangements for dancers, equipment, flights and accommodation unresolved. “You was trying to make me pay for the production with my deposit money,” she alleged.

Cardi B claimed organizers attempted to send an additional US$750,000 just days before the concert, after she had already decided to cancel, but insisted she returned the money.

“Your deadline was on September, it’s already October,” she said, adding that her production cargo remained in Miami. “You never sent me 2.5.”

Addressing the possibility of legal action, Cardi B defended her professionalism and warned that she was prepared to countersue for defamation. “I got the best lawyer in the game, Dina LaPolt. When it comes to shows, I'm very professional,” she said. “And babes, I promise you, you’re going to lose. Because I have every, every single evidence.”

Earlier in the evening, BZR WKND CEO Ryan Burke revealed during an exclusive interview with CVM TV that organizers intended to pursue legal action against the rapper following her withdrawal from the event.

BZR WKND CEO Ryan Burke (L) during the media launch alongside reggae artiste Gramps Morgan (Photo: Ashanie Braham)

“Millions went into the show; Cardi B received [US]$2.5 million for her performance, and that money was sent directly to her. She was paid in full,” Burke said. “We requested the money back when we found that she didn’t look like she was going to be performing on the rescheduled date, but we didn’t hear anything back from them, which is why we are here now.”

Burke also expressed disappointment over the cancellation, saying organizers had hoped Cardi B would honor her original October 18 appearance or perform on the rescheduled December 20 date.

Cardi B was originally scheduled to headline Cardi B & Friends at Kingston’s National Stadium before her representatives confirmed her withdrawal on October 8. She later apologized to Jamaican fans and denied speculation that poor ticket sales were responsible, claiming more than 18,000 tickets had been sold.

Organizers subsequently announced the December 20 date and began processing ticket refunds. It remains unclear whether a lawsuit has officially been filed.