Cardi B has responded to growing drama surrounding her rumoured relationship with Nigerian footballer Maduka Okoye, saying she has dealt with dating rumours for years. Her comments came as Okoye's former partner, Jelicia Westhoff, revealed she is preparing legal action over what she says are fake Instagram direct messages that spread online.
The latest dispute follows weeks of headlines linking Cardi B to the Udinese goalkeeper after they were seen together in Paris and Venice. The rapper insisted she is not bothered by online gossip, while Westhoff continues to deny claims that she changed her story about past abuse allegations.
Cardi B Breaks Her Silence on Dating Rumours
Cardi B addressed the growing attention in an audio clip first shared by The Neighborhood Talk and later reported by TMZ. She said people begin making stories every time she is seen with someone new.
The rapper said she has been dealing with 'lies and bulls***' since she was 20 years old. She added that if someone has an ex-partner, there will always be drama surrounding the relationship.
Cardi also joked that she could 'rage bait' people by going out with her cousin next. She later added, 'I could pick better men', making it clear she was frustrated by the constant public attention rather than confirming details about her personal life.
Jelicia Westhoff Plans Legal Action Over Alleged Fake Messages
Westhoff is now preparing legal action after screenshots of alleged Instagram direct messages appeared online. The messages appeared to show her denying that Okoye had abused her.
A source close to Westhoff claimed that she did exchange messages with another woman last August. However, the source said the conversation ended after the woman claimed she had slept with Okoye and wanted to know whether he was still in a relationship.
Westhoff's camp strongly denied writing the messages that appeared online. They say the screenshots were altered and do not reflect what was actually said during the conversation.
Another Woman Fires Back After Legal Threat
Following news that lawyers had become involved, the woman accused of sharing the alleged messages responded publicly on social media. She denied wrongdoing and claimed Westhoff had brought her into the situation first.
She wrote, 'You can't threaten me with a lawyer because you're the one who dragged me into this. I wanted nothing to do with it.' She also claimed she would have remained silent if her name had not been mentioned.
At the time of writing, there has been no public court filing confirming that a lawsuit has officially been filed. The dispute remains a developing legal matter, and the claims made by both sides have not been independently verified.
How Cardi B Became Linked to Maduka Okoye
Rumours about Cardi B and Okoye began after the pair were photographed together during the Paris Fashion Week earlier this month. It was later reported that they were also seen spending time together in Venice, adding more fuel to dating speculation.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Cardi B and Nigerian soccer star Maduka Okoye are keeping the good times rolling in Italy ... sitting side by side for a swanky dinner overlooking a Venice canal. pic.twitter.com/CdAPUpzHq8
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 19, 2026
The public attention quickly shifted toward Okoye's personal life because Westhoff had previously accused him on social media of cheating and abuse. Okoye has not publicly responded to the latest allegations involving the alleged direct messages.
Cardi has not confirmed that she and Okoye are in a relationship. Her recent comments instead focused on how public interest often follows anyone she is seen with, regardless of the facts.
What Happens Next?
Westhoff's reported legal action could determine whether the disputed messages were authentic or manipulated. Until any court documents are filed or evidence is presented, the claims remain allegations.
Cardi B has continued to dismiss the online speculation, choosing instead to joke about the attention surrounding her dating life. Her remarks suggest she has little interest in allowing internet rumours to shape her personal choices.
For now, the story remains centred on two separate issues: Cardi B's response to the dating rumours and Westhoff's planned legal fight over the alleged fake messages. Further developments are expected if legal proceedings officially begin.
