Cardi B defends Vybz Kartel's post-prison release appearance, says online criticism makes her "upset"

As the Jamaican DJ Vybz Kartel's post-prison release appearance continues to be the talk of the town, Cardi B has now stood up for the artist and has bashed the netizens slamming the DJ. During an X Spaces session, Cardi B clearly stated that she disapproved of all the tweets people made about Vybz Kartel.

“I do not play about f*cking Vybz Kartel. When I see y’all f*cking Americans… No offense, no offense. I mean, I’m American, but when I see y’all talking about f*cking Vybz Kartel, I be getting upset ’cause, like, not too much. Not too f*cking much. Mind your f*cking business. I do not play about f*cking Vybz Kartel, b*tch. At all. At all. I do not, I do not, I do not," she said.

Cardi B defended Vybz Kartel after many mocked him for appearing lighter in recent photos, suggesting he might have bleached his skin. Vybz Kartel, who is battling Grave’s disease, faced these comments after posting a photo on social media following his release from prison on July 31, 2024.

Kartel was released after 13 years as he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. After his attorneys proved in court that the artist’s disease could be fatal if not treated, he was released early from prison.

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Vybz Kartel’s health condition explored as Cardi B defends the artist

As Kartel released his image on social media, netizens not only pointed out his lighter skin tone but also noticed that he had a lot of swelling on his face and body. However, many publications like FOX5 reported that the artist suffers from Grave’s disease, a symptom of which is the shade of the skin going light.

Apart from Grave’s disease, Kartel also suffers from a serious heart condition, due to which he was released much earlier than he was scheduled to be released from prison for the alleged killing of his associate.

Just before the DJ's release, Kartel's team also spoke to Fox 5 in June and reported:

"His neck was swollen, if you think of a shirt that is about 18.5 inches in the neck area, you couldn't close the collar on his neck and that's how bad it is at this moment. His face is actually swollen. And one other thing. He always wears glasses; in this condition, that causes his eyes to protrude.”

As per Mayo Clinic, Grave’s disease is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to make more than the normal amount of thyroid hormone. Apart from the skin tone going lighter, the patient can also experience other side effects like bulging eyes, pressure or pain in the eyes, red eyes, vision loss, and much more.

During his trial, Isat Buchanan, a Human rights attorney also stated that the cell where Kartel was held was similar to a “brick oven,” with almost no ventilation. Hence, if his disease was not treated, he could also die in his sleep.

However, as Vybz was released from prison, he spoke to Fox 5 and stated how he would be regularly keeping a check on his health and getting treatment done so that he could conquer the deadly diseases.

On the other hand, social media users are applauding Cardi B for standing up with the Jamaican artist. However, at the moment, Kartel has not responded to Cardi’s comments about him in the X Spaces session.