In a revelation that has set the internet ablaze, Cardi B ignited a heated online furor on July 22, 2025, with unexpected comments about her parenting philosophy during a candid livestream on X Spaces. The Bronx-born rapper, mother of three children with estranged husband Offset, faced swift backlash as fans and critics alike lambasted her views, with many holding up Rihanna as the epitome of mindful parenting. The controversy, unfolding just two days ago, has divided opinions across social media platforms, with Cardi’s remarks sparking debates about privilege, responsibility, and the pressures of celebrity parenthood. As of 4:14 PM +07 on Thursday, July 24, 2025, the fallout continues to dominate discussions, revealing deep-seated tensions about how public figures raise their children.

The storm began when Cardi, 32, opened up about her approach to parenting during a late-night session on X Spaces, a platform she’s used to connect directly with fans. Addressing her children—Kulture, 6, Wave, 3, and Blossom, 8 months—she admitted to relying heavily on screen time and hired help to manage her hectic schedule. “Look, I ain’t got time to be running around with them all day,” she said, laughing. “Tablets keep them busy, and I got nannies and my cousin on payroll. That’s real life for a mom like me.” She went further, dismissing the idea of constant hands-on involvement, arguing, “Ain’t nobody got energy for that 24/7. You do what works, and this works for us.” The casual tone and unapologetic stance caught fans off guard, especially given her public persona as a fierce, independent woman.

The backlash was immediate. Within hours, posts on X and Instagram erupted with criticism, many urging Cardi to “learn from Rihanna.” The Barbadian superstar, also a mother of two with a third child on the way with A$AP Rocky, has recently championed a hands-on, nature-focused parenting style. In a July 13 interview with Entertainment Tonight at the Smurfs premiere, Rihanna shared how her late father, Ronald Fenty, inspired her to raise sons RZA and Riot outdoors, free from excessive screen time. “No tablet babies here,” she declared, emphasizing barefoot play and adventure. This philosophy, echoed in her July 23 Buzzfeed comments about her childhood, struck a chord with fans who saw it as a wholesome contrast to Cardi’s approach.

Fans didn’t hold back. On X, one user wrote, “Rihanna’s out there raising kings with love and nature, while Cardi’s got her kids glued to screens. Pick a lane!” Another added, “Learn from Rihanna, Cardi! Money doesn’t buy good parenting.” The comparison gained traction, with Rihanna’s billionaire status and access to nannies juxtaposed against her public rejection of over-reliance on technology, fueling the narrative that she sets a higher standard. Some pointed to Cardi’s recent $3,000-a-week payment to her cousin for childcare, as detailed in her June 2025 EURweb rant against Offset, as evidence of privilege run amok. “Easy for her to say when she’s got a village,” one critic tweeted, highlighting the disparity between Cardi’s resources and her casual attitude.

Cardi’s defenders, however, argue the backlash is unfair. Supporters noted her transparency about the realities of balancing a music career, a contentious divorce, and motherhood. In her X Spaces session, she acknowledged the emotional toll of her split from Offset, filed in August 2024, saying, “I’m healing, y’all. Sometimes you need a break, and the tablet gives me that.” Fans rallied behind her, with one posting, “She’s real about her struggles—Rihanna’s got it easier with Rocky by her side.” Others praised her for not pretending to be a perfect parent, contrasting her with celebrities who curate flawless images. This divide reflects broader tensions about whether parenting should adapt to individual circumstances or adhere to a universal ideal.

The Rihanna-Cardi comparison intensified when fans dug into their past interactions. In 2022, Cardi told TMZ that motherhood “comes naturally,” offering Rihanna advice before her first child’s birth. Now, the tables have turned, with Rihanna’s recent comments positioning her as the mentor figure. Some see irony in Cardi’s earlier confidence, given her current stance, while others argue Rihanna’s privilege—highlighted by her $1.4 billion net worth and Barbados roots—makes her approach less relatable. “Rihanna can afford to play outside all day; Cardi’s grinding for her kids’ future,” one fan countered on Instagram, defending the rapper’s reliance on practical solutions.

The online furor also exposed class and cultural divides. Cardi’s admission of using nannies and screens resonated with working parents who face similar constraints, with one mother commenting, “I get it—sometimes it’s survival, not neglect.” Yet, this clashed with a growing movement, inspired by Rihanna, advocating for minimal screen time, as seen in posts on parenting forums like TODAY.com. Critics accused Cardi of setting a poor example, with one X user writing, “She’s normalizing laziness when kids need guidance.” The debate spilled into discussions about celebrity influence, with some urging both stars to use their platforms for education rather than division.

Cardi responded to the backlash on July 23, posting on Instagram, “Y’all act like I’m abandoning my kids. I’m out here hustling so they eat—judge that!” The defiant tone only fueled the fire, with fans split between admiration for her resilience and calls for accountability. Her June rant about Offset’s lack of support—detailing costs like $250-an-hour tutoring and a $500-a-shift nanny—added context, suggesting her parenting choices stem from necessity rather than choice. Yet, this failed to quell critics who pointed to Rihanna’s ability to balance her Fenty empire with active parenting, asking, “If Ri can do it, why can’t Cardi?”

The controversy has broader implications for celebrity culture. It mirrors past debates, like Cardi’s 2021 NZ Herald defense of shielding Kulture from her song “WAP,” where she emphasized parental responsibility. Rihanna’s approach, detailed in People’s April 2025 coverage of her using Instagram filters to engage RZA and Riot, aligns with a trend of stars promoting mindful parenting. This clash highlights how public figures are judged not just for their art but for their personal lives, with social media amplifying every move. Some industry insiders speculate Cardi’s comments could hurt her image as she promotes her delayed sophomore album, while others see it as raw authenticity that might resonate with fans.

As of July 24, 2025, the divide persists. Rihanna has not commented, maintaining her focus on her pregnancy, announced at the 2025 Met Gala. Cardi, meanwhile, continues engaging fans online, hinting at a possible response track. The backlash has sparked a wider conversation about parenting standards, privilege, and the unrealistic expectations placed on celebrities. Whether this furor fades or shapes their legacies remains to be seen, but for now, the internet remains a battleground where “Learn from Rihanna!” echoes loudest.