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In a fiery online exchange, rapper Cardi B set the record straight about her involvement in a campaign rally for U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential race.
As misinformation and conspiracy theories swirl around the entertainment industry’s participation in political campaigns, Cardi B’s response has highlighted a broader issue about celebrity activism and its reception in polarised political climates.
In this blog, I’ll talk about Cardi B’s response to payment rumors, her involvement in Kamala Harris’ campaign, and the broader impact of celebrity activism in politics.
Let’s get started!
The controversy began when conservative commentator Candace Owens asked X (formerly Twitter) whether Cardi B had been compensated for her participation in a Harris rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on November 1, 2024.
Cardi B, a vocal supporter of the Democratic Party, wasted no time responding, emphatically denying that she had received any payment for her appearance.
“I didn’t get paid a dollar and that’s on my three,” Cardi tweeted. She went on to clarify that she had covered her own travel and glam expenses, underscoring her genuine commitment to engaging in political discourse. “You know damn well I’ll argue you down about politics FOR FREE,” she added.
Cardi B’s appearance at the “When We Vote We Win” rally at Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center wasn’t her first foray into political advocacy. Known for her unabashed opinions and candid interviews, the Grammy-winning rapper has consistently used her platform to encourage civic participation.
During the rally, Cardi spoke passionately about the importance of voting, especially among young people and marginalized communities.
Cardi’s speech was part of a broader effort by the Harris campaign to mobilize voters in key swing states. Wisconsin, often a battleground in presidential elections, was a crucial stop in Harris’ campaign trail as she sought to energize Democratic voters in the Midwest.
Cardi B’s involvement in the Harris campaign speaks to the increasing reliance on celebrity endorsements in American politics. From Oprah Winfrey hosting town halls to Taylor Swift urging her followers to register to vote, the entertainment industry has become a powerful tool for mobilizing audiences.
However, this visibility often comes with scrutiny, as seen in the recent wave of accusations suggesting celebrities were financially incentivized to participate.
The skepticism isn’t new. Celebrities who align themselves with political causes are frequently accused of being out of touch or opportunistic. These claims, whether baseless or not, reflect a growing distrust in public figures and the political systems they support.
Candace Owens’ question about Cardi B’s involvement wasn’t an isolated incident. Oprah Winfrey, another prominent figure in the Democratic campaign efforts, recently debunked similar claims about being paid $1 million to host a town hall event.
These rumors seem to stem from a broader narrative that equates celebrity support with financial transactions rather than authentic advocacy.
Cardi’s response to Owens was as direct as her music. Her assertion that she wasn’t paid to participate in the rally—and even incurred personal expenses—reinforces her commitment to the causes she supports. For Cardi, political engagement isn’t about financial gain but about using her voice to drive change.
While Cardi B’s denial of payment may put this particular rumor to rest, the incident raises important questions about the role of celebrities in political campaigns.
On one hand, their involvement can amplify messages and reach demographics that traditional political figures may struggle to connect with. Cardi B, for example, resonates with younger voters, particularly women and people of color.
On the other hand, critics argue that celebrity endorsements can oversimplify complex issues, reducing campaigns to star-studded spectacles rather than substantive discussions.
This tension was evident in the 2024 election, as nearly the entire Hollywood elite rallied behind Harris in hopes of electing America’s first female president. Despite their efforts, Harris fell short, with Donald Trump securing a second, non-consecutive term.
Cardi B’s journey into political advocacy has been both celebrated and criticized. From her Instagram rants about healthcare to her sit-down interview with Bernie Sanders in 2019, Cardi has consistently leveraged her platform to discuss issues affecting everyday Americans.
While her delivery may be unconventional, her messages often resonate with audiences who feel disconnected from traditional political rhetoric.
Her decision to campaign for Harris aligns with her long-standing support for Democratic policies, particularly those related to healthcare, education, and social justice. Cardi has often spoken about her upbringing in the Bronx and the challenges she faced growing up, which have shaped her political views.
The exchange between Owens and Cardi highlights the role of social media in shaping political discourse. Platforms like X enable real-time interactions between public figures and their critics, but they also amplify misinformation.
Cardi’s quick response helped dispel rumors about her involvement, but not all celebrities have the same ability—or willingness—to engage directly with detractors.
Social media also fuels polarization, as seen in the backlash Cardi received for her political advocacy. Critics often dismiss her contributions based on her background as a rapper and entertainer, while supporters praise her for speaking out on issues that matter to her.
The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election saw high-profile celebrity endorsements play a significant role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing voter participation.
Among the notable names, Cardi B emerged as a vocal supporter of Kamala Harris, speaking passionately at a campaign rally in Milwaukee. Despite her involvement, Cardi publicly denied rumors of receiving payment, emphasizing her genuine dedication to the cause.
Similarly, Oprah Winfrey, a longstanding advocate for Democratic candidates, supported Harris by hosting town hall events aimed at engaging voters on key issues. Accusations that Oprah was paid $1 million for her participation were quickly debunked, reinforcing her commitment to voter education over financial gain.
Taylor Swift, known for her influence among younger voters, also backed Kamala Harris by encouraging voter registration and participation. While no allegations of financial incentives surfaced in her case, Swift’s involvement highlighted the growing trend of celebrities using their platforms to inspire civic engagement.
On the Republican side, Kanye West continued his support for Donald Trump, publicly endorsing the former president. Unlike their Democratic counterparts, no significant payment rumors emerged regarding West’s endorsements.
This election underscored the impact of celebrity activism in politics, though it also invited scrutiny over the authenticity of their involvement.
Celebrity | Candidate Supported | Type of Support | Payment Rumors? |
---|---|---|---|
Cardi B | Kamala Harris | Campaign rally speech | Denied |
Oprah Winfrey | Kamala Harris | Hosted town halls | Debunked |
Taylor Swift | Kamala Harris | Voter registration campaign | No known allegations |
Kanye West | Donald Trump | Public endorsements | No known allegations |
The allegations against Cardi B, Oprah Winfrey, and other celebrities participating in the Harris campaign reflect a larger societal issue: the growing distrust in institutions, including politics and entertainment.
Accusations of financial incentives undermine the authenticity of celebrity endorsements, casting doubt on their intentions.
However, Cardi’s transparency and willingness to confront these claims head-on set a precedent for how public figures can address misinformation. By sharing her experience and motivations, she reaffirms the importance of genuine engagement in political advocacy.
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