Cardi B has voiced strong criticism of the conviction and sentencing of teenager Karmelo Anthony in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, describing the outcome as “disgusting” and an attempt to “make an example” rather than deliver justice.
The Bronx rapper, known for her outspoken views on social issues, first reacted on X shortly after Anthony’s first-degree murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence. In her viral post, she wrote: “Wow! Just freakin wow! DISGUSTING… This is not justice, this is trying to make an example!!!”
On June 10, Cardi B expanded on her thoughts during an X Spaces session, showing empathy for both families involved in the polarizing April 2025 case while breaking down what she sees as mishandling by the justice system. As a mother, she acknowledged the pain of Metcalf’s parents losing their child, as well as the grief of Anthony’s family, who she said have “lost a child to the system.”
The incident occurred on April 2, 2025, at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, during a weather delay. Anthony, then 17 and a student at Centennial High School with no prior record and strong grades, fatally stabbed 17-year-old Metcalf of Memorial High School in the chest amid a confrontation under a team tent. Defense attorneys argued self-defense after Anthony was confronted by a larger group, while prosecutors maintained that Anthony escalated the situation. The jury, which deliberated in under three hours and has been described as all-white, rejected the self-defense claim. Anthony showed visible remorse in court, crying during proceedings.
In the Spaces, Cardi B argued that 35 years was excessive for what she viewed as a non-premeditated tragedy and suggested the jury should have considered manslaughter. She questioned whether self-defense was properly weighed, noting the size difference and group dynamics, and criticized the rapid verdict. “This is not justice,” she reiterated, echoing her initial post.
The “WAP” rapper also addressed broader concerns about racial inequities in the legal system. While noting she doesn’t typically “play the race card,” she expressed belief that the case might have been handled differently if the roles were reversed. In a particularly pointed comment that drew significant attention, she said the situation led her to advise her sons: “Do not argue with no white boys… Just walk the fuck away,” adding that she feels the law may not protect them equally.
Cardi B’s remarks have ignited widespread debate online, with supporters praising her for highlighting systemic issues and critics accusing her of downplaying the fatal stabbing and injecting race into a case where Metcalf’s family has emphasized accountability over racial motivations. Clips from the Spaces have circulated heavily across Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube.
The case remains highly divisive, raising questions about teen altercations, self-defense claims and jury decisions in high-profile incidents. Anthony’s team has signaled potential appeals.
This isn’t the first time Cardi B has used her platform to comment on social and justice issues, often blending her personal perspective as a mother with candid takes on current events.
