American hip-hop artist Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, has spoken out about recent rumors linking her to Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
The rumors began in early July when the pair appeared together in Paris. On July 8, they attended the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture presentation as part of Paris Fashion Week, where they were seated together and a clip of Okoye assisting her circulated online.
Days later, they were seen in Venice, Italy, having dinner with a group at Gio's restaurant in the St. Regis Hotel. Photos obtained by entertainment outlets showed them conversing closely, which further fueled dating speculation.
On July 21, Cardi B responded to the attention with a public message comparing her media coverage to that of Britney Spears. She said she knows details about other celebrities that receive no coverage, while every move she makes becomes a headline.
She added that people follow her life because of the drama it creates. Okoye has not commented on the rumors or on separate statements made by his ex-partner, Jelicia Westhoff, who posted on social media accusing him of neglect toward their child.