Unfiltered and Unapologetic: Cardi B Takes Back the Narrative
On May 8, 2025, Cardi B flipped the script on internet trolls with a no-makeup, no-filter video that has since gone viral, racking up over 9.4 million views on X (formerly Twitter). The move was a direct response to edited photos allegedly shared online in an attempt to “humble” her following her bold appearance at the 2025 Met Gala.
“Am I really that bad of a chick that y’all always gotta edit my pictures to fake try to humble me wit insults on this app?” Cardi wrote, alongside a video of herself looking directly into the camera—barefaced, wig slightly tousled, and tone fully fed up.
The raw post, which showcased the rapper’s natural look and unfiltered frustration, was a powerful rebuke to digital distortion and body shaming. And as with anything Cardi B does, the internet took notice.
What Sparked the Video? Edited Photos From the Met Gala
The situation traces back to May 7, 2025, when a now-suspended user on X—handle reportedly @ordinarycourt—posted what appeared to be heavily edited photos of Cardi B, either from the Met Gala or its afterparty. The images, doctored with the apparent intent to provoke negativity, drew quick attention and criticism from Cardi’s fanbase and beyond.
Cardi, who had attended the Met Gala on May 5 in a stunning Burberry pantsuit designed by Daniel Lee, had already been one of the night’s most talked-about stars. Her look featured green contact lenses and a tailored trench coat layered over her ivy-toned suit—a daring and thematic interpretation of the evening’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Later that night, she transitioned into a long blonde wig and sleek black dress for the afterparty—where it’s believed the edited images may have originated.
Cardi’s X Post: “No Filter, No Makeup… THANK YOU!!”
On May 8 at 5:22 PM EDT, Cardi fired back with a post that was part clapback, part self-portrait, and part social commentary:
“Am I really that bad of a chick that y’all always gotta edit my pictures to fake try to humble me wit insults on this app? Anyways no filter, no makeup, just me and this wig I had on for days. THANK YOU!!”
The video included in the post showed Cardi with bare skin, minimal expression, and a look that said, “I dare you to say something now.” It was an arresting contrast to the usual glamor shots that dominate celebrity timelines—and it resonated.
In under 24 hours, the post amassed:
9.4M views
65,000+ favorites
Thousands of replies ranging from praise to continued critique
All of this reinforces Cardi B’s immense popularity. This is the common theme in Cardi’s career. When she was dancing, she was popular. After she began posting on social media, she became highly popular. Then, when she did “Love & Hip Hop,” Cardi was the fan favorite. That set the stage for what she has since done in the music industry. As a result, she is always a major topic of discussion.
Follow-Up Post: “Do I Make Y’all Insecure?”
Later that evening at 7:09 PM EDT, Cardi doubled down with a follow-up tweet, offering a deeper reflection on the motives behind the photo manipulation:
“I’m insecure or do I make yall insecure to the point that you gotta go pull up my pictures then open a app and edit them because yall can’t stand how hard I step???”
This post, with nearly 1.9 million views, reframed the conversation: Is the problem Cardi’s confidence—or the public’s discomfort with it?
The Broader Conversation: Trolling, Beauty, and Control
Cardi’s response isn’t an isolated case—it fits into a growing trend of celebrities using social media to directly confront cyberbullying and body shaming. In the past, Cardi has fired back at paparazzi edits, clowned trolls over photos of her daughter, and even shared unfiltered content to prove she’s not afraid of being seen as she is.
In 2020, she addressed a viral paparazzi photo that had been manipulated to exaggerate her features.
In 2024, she blasted trolls for sharing edited photos of her daughter, demanding respect for children in the public eye.
These moments show a clear pattern: when false narratives emerge, Cardi doesn’t just ignore them—she reclaims the narrative herself.
Netizen Reactions: Divided, But Loud
As with most things Cardi-related, the public reaction has been deeply polarized. Coverage by outlets like HotNewHipHop and AllHipHop compiled responses from both sides:
Supporters praised her courage and natural beauty:
“This is the most real celeb post I’ve seen in years.”
“That’s how you shut people up—real face, real energy.”
Critics, however, continued to project negativity:
“She’s acting like people can’t have opinions.”
“Still giving bitter energy.”
This clash of support vs. criticism reflects a deeper issue: even authenticity gets policed when it comes from confident women in power.
Why It Matters: Met Gala, Media, and Misogyny
The Met Gala, by design, is a fashion spectacle—a place where celebs step outside the norm to make statements. Cardi B, now a six-time attendee, knows exactly how to command that kind of space.
But when a woman of color, unapologetic about her beauty, money, and body, steps confidently into that spotlight—criticism tends to follow.
The now-suspended user who shared the edited pics wasn’t just mocking a celeb—they were trying to undermine her power, and in Cardi’s case, that’s not an easy task.
Her refusal to bow to that narrative—choosing instead to post a stripped-down, no-makeup video—signals something important: vulnerability and power are not opposites.
A Reminder of Cardi’s Legacy
While this incident may seem like just another celebrity clapback, it builds on a larger legacy Cardi B is carving for herself—a career that balances unfiltered personality with polished success.
From Grammy wins to political commentary, from Met Gala stuns to TikTok clapbacks, she’s built a brand that’s as real as it is raw.
And this time, she didn’t need filters, lashes, or styling to remind everyone: she’s still that woman.
Final Thoughts
Cardi B’s no-makeup, no-filter video wasn’t just a reaction—it was a statement. A declaration of self-worth in a world eager to tear it down. And while the edited images might’ve been an attempt to humble her, all they really did was give her another chance to show why she doesn’t fold.
As she put it: “No filter, no makeup, just me and this wig I had on for days.”
That was more than enough.
Am I really that bad of a bitch that y’all always gotta edit my pictures to fake try to humble me wit insults on this app? Anyways no filter, no makeup, just me and this wig I had on for days. THANK YOU!! https://t.co/xhGaB4iYVqpic.twitter.com/ENKMzyN3tx
