Social media platforms are ablaze with reactions after Mariah Rose, daughter of NBA legend and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose, publicly called out Cardi B’s relationship with New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs. In a candid segment on her Instagram channel Hoops for Hotties posted on January 14, 2026, Mariah didn’t hold back, labeling the romance as one where a “rich, bad b****” is dating an “embarrassing man” and questioning why Cardi would subject herself to the ongoing controversies surrounding Diggs. Her comments have ignited a firestorm of debate, with fans divided between defending the couple and demanding Cardi walk away immediately.
The relationship between Cardi B and Stefon Diggs has been one of the most talked-about celebrity pairings since it went public in 2025. The duo first sparked romance rumors in late 2024, with sightings at clubs and events, before officially confirming their status in May 2025 with PDA-packed courtside appearances at NBA games. By September 2025, Cardi revealed she was expecting their first child together—a baby boy—during an interview on CBS Mornings, sharing the news with excitement about building a new chapter. The couple welcomed their son in November 2025, and Cardi documented the joy on social media, posting adorable glimpses of the newborn swaddled in Patriots gear. Diggs, known for his low-key approach to personal matters, expressed happiness about becoming a “boy dad” and shared moments celebrating the milestone.
Yet, beneath the surface of this high-profile romance, Diggs has faced mounting personal and legal challenges that have drawn intense scrutiny. In 2025, paternity issues surfaced when model Aileen Lopera filed a lawsuit seeking support for her daughter, Charliee Harper Diggs-Lopera, born in April 2025. DNA testing confirmed Diggs as the father in November 2025, adding complexity to his family dynamics as Cardi was pregnant at the time. Diggs has acknowledged his responsibilities and expressed a desire for positive co-parenting, but the timing has fueled speculation about overlapping relationships.
More recently, Diggs has been embroiled in serious allegations. His former private chef filed a complaint accusing him of assault and battery during a dispute over payment in December 2025, claiming physical violence including strangulation. Diggs has denied the accusations, with his legal team insisting the events “did not occur,” and a judge rescheduled his arraignment from January 23 to February 13, 2026, to allow more preparation time. These developments have placed Diggs under a microscope, with critics highlighting what they see as a pattern of problematic behavior.
Mariah Rose’s comments cut straight to the heart of the controversy. Speaking as a self-described fan of Cardi B, she expressed confusion over why a successful, independent woman would stay in a situation filled with “mess.” She pointed specifically to the paternity claims involving multiple women around the same period and the assault accusations, arguing that Cardi “doesn’t need to be in” such drama. Rose framed her take as “parasocial” but genuine concern, emphasizing respect for Cardi while urging her to prioritize her well-being and self-worth.
The remarks spread like wildfire online, with clips from the Hoops for Hotties segment racking up millions of views. Social media users amplified the message, sharing screenshots, memes, and heated debates. Some praised Rose for speaking candidly, calling it a wake-up call for Cardi to recognize her value and avoid unnecessary baggage. Others defended the couple, pointing out that Cardi has always been unapologetic about her choices and that relationships are complex. Fans highlighted Cardi’s strength as a mother of four—three from her previous marriage to Offset and one with Diggs—and her focus on her upcoming Little Miss Drama tour launching in February 2026. Cardi has addressed fan criticism in the past, urging people to “calm down” and support her regardless of personal decisions, emphasizing that she makes her own choices as a grown woman.
Cardi B has not directly responded to Mariah Rose’s comments as of mid-January 2026. She has, however, been vocal in defending her relationship amid earlier backlash, including when fans speculated about breakups due to separate holiday celebrations or resurfaced old banter with Diggs. In one instance, she shut down negativity by declaring she and Diggs “love our baby” and that life moves forward. The rapper has continued to show support for Diggs publicly, celebrating his on-field achievements like reaching 1,000 receiving yards and sharing affectionate posts. Diggs, for his part, has remained largely silent on the personal controversies, focusing on his performance with the Patriots and co-parenting responsibilities.
The situation raises broader questions about celebrity relationships, public accountability, and the pressure on women in the spotlight. Mariah Rose’s intervention, coming from someone with her own ties to sports fame, adds a unique perspective—someone who understands the world of high-profile athletes and the scrutiny that comes with it. Her call for Cardi to walk away stems from a place of admiration, urging the rapper to avoid entanglement in drama that could overshadow her success.
As the story continues to unfold, fans remain divided. Some see Rose’s words as tough love, while others view them as unnecessary judgment. With Diggs’ legal matters ongoing and Cardi gearing up for a major tour, the coming weeks will likely bring more developments. For now, the online firestorm shows no signs of slowing, with everyone waiting to see how Cardi navigates the latest wave of speculation and advice.
