Cardi B v/s Elon Musk—and the story of 'puppet' remark
What's the story
Rapper Cardi B has taken to social media to defend herself after Tesla CEO Elon Musk criticized her following a teleprompter glitch at a Kamala Harris rally in Milwaukee on Friday. The incident prompted Musk to call her a "puppet" on X/Twitter after she appeared flustered and fumbled her words for over a minute. Defending herself, the WAP rapper said, "I'm not a puppet Elon."
Cardi's response
'I'm a product of poverty... you don't know nothing'
Born to immigrant parents, Cardi B took to X on Saturday to declare her individuality and resilience. "I'm a daughter of two immigrant parents that had to work their ass off to provide for me!" she wrote. Further stressing her humble beginnings and struggles, she added: "I'm a product of poverty and I'm a product of what happens when the system is set up against you....But you don't know nothing...You don't know not one thing about the American struggle."
Twitter Post
Take a look at her tweet here
I’m not a puppet Elon.. I’m a daughter of two immigrant parents that had to work their ass off to provide for me! I’m a product of welfare, I’m a product of section 8, I’m a product of poverty and I’m a product of what happens when the system is set up against you….But you don’t… https://t.co/BBYQ2O0KYJ
— Cardi B (@iamcardib) November 2, 2024
CEO's critique
Musk's criticism of Cardi B and Harris's campaign
Musk, 53, posted a clip of the rapper's speech on X, slamming her for relying on a script. He wrote, "Another puppet who can't even talk without being fed the words." The Tesla founder also voiced his doubts about the authenticity and empathy of Harris's campaign. Despite the technical glitches during her speech at the rally, Cardi B stood by Harris for the upcoming presidential election against Donald Trump.
Twitter Post
Take a look at Musk's tweet here
Another puppet who can’t even talk without being fed the words.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 2, 2024
The Kamala campaign has no authenticity or true empathy. https://t.co/gwbZBKIAk8
Rally speech
Cardi B's continued support for Harris despite criticism
Despite the teleprompter glitch, Cardi B was able to deliver her speech at the rally with the assistance of a phone handed to her. She voiced her support for Harris, asking the audience if they were ready to change the next eight years and ensure Harris's presidency. The rapper is among a number of celebrities endorsing Harris in the upcoming presidential election against Trump.
Empowerment message
Cardi B's speech on women's rights at Harris rally
Along with the rally, Cardi B also gave a fiery speech on women's rights. She compared her experiences to those of Harris, saying: "Just like Kamala Harris, I too have been the underdog, I've been underestimated, my success belittled and discredited." The US presidential elections are due on Tuesday (November 5) with Democratic candidate Harris facing off against Republican candidate Trump.