Cardi B Fatphobia Controversy: Beyond the Livestream
The Weight of Words: Unpacking the Resurgence of Fatphobia
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Published August 18,2025
Recent discourse surrounding fatphobia has been ignited by a livestream featuring rapper Cardi B,where she shared her views on sizing in her merchandise collaboration with WWE,timed to promote her upcoming album,Am I The Drama?. While the merchandise quickly sold out, the conversation sparked online has been far more complex, prompting a critical examination of societal biases against larger bodies.
The discussion gained further momentum with a response from plus-size influencer and advocate Samyra Miller, whose TikTok content centers on inclusivity and education.Miller’s outlook, shared on TikTok, has spurred debate about whether the incident represents a clear instance of fatphobia. A common counterargument suggests the situation is being overblown, rooted in harmless humor. However, this minimizes the real harm caused by perpetuating negative stereotypes.
Beyond Humor: The Real Harm of Fatphobia
Dismissing concerns as simply being “too sensitive” or attributing them to a lack of humor is deeply problematic. Discrimination based on body size is, at its core, a form of prejudice. We’ve witnessed the struggles for equity faced by other marginalized communities – Black Americans fighting for civil rights, the LGBTQIA+ community advocating for equal treatment, and Black women demanding wider shade ranges in cosmetics – and the plus-size community deserves the same respect and consideration.
The current moment feels especially disheartening, as there was a recent period of increased visibility and acceptance of body positivity. Brands launched inclusive campaigns and expanded their size ranges. However, this progress appears to have stalled, with plus-size options dwindling in stores and often relegated to online-only availability. We seem to be regressing to a place where individuals are ”othered” without remorse.
A Historical Legacy of Discrimination
Fatphobia isn’t a new phenomenon; it’s deeply rooted in historical power structures and racial biases. It’s inextricably linked to the legacy of racism, originating as a tool to justify the enslavement and dehumanization of African people. As detailed by Sabrina Strings in Fearing the Black Body, larger bodies were historically associated with concepts of laziness, gluttony, and inferiority, used to rationalize the brutal treatment of enslaved individuals.
prior to this, larger bodies were often seen as symbols of wealth and abundance. The shift in perception was purposeful, serving to justify the exploitation of enslaved people. This exploitation was particularly egregious in the case of women, like Sarah Baartman, a South African woman who was enslaved in the early 19th century and subjected to dehumanizing public display based on her physique.
Moving Forward: Towards True Equity
The normalization of fatphobia has been allowed to persist for far too long. The outrage directed towards those who simply request respect and dignity is particularly troubling, mirroring the struggles faced by other marginalized communities. Until we achieve genuine equity across all identities – body size, ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality – true liberation remains elusive.
Brands have a duty to move beyond performative inclusivity and prioritize genuine representation. This includes offering a wider range of sizes, featuring diverse models in marketing campaigns, and actively challenging harmful stereotypes. But the onus isn’t solely on corporations. Each of us has a role to play in dismantling fatphobia by challenging our own biases and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable world.