Cardi B fires back BZR WKND threatens legal action over canceled Jamaica concert

American rapper Cardi B has threatened to countersue the organizers of Jamaica's BZR WKND festival after promoter Ryan Burke announced plans to take legal action against her over her canceled October performance.

The dispute escalated Monday, November 9, when Burke, founder and CEO of BZR WKND, told CVM Television that organizers intended to pursue legal action against the Grammy-winning entertainer, alleging that she had been paid US$2.5 million for a performance she ultimately did not deliver.

Cardi B responded during an Instagram Live session later that evening, strongly denying Burke's claims and accusing the promoter of failing to meet contractual payment deadlines.

"One thing you cannot lie is that courtroom. Take me there. Take me there because now you're lying on me, which is the defamation of character, and I'm going to sue you right back," she declared.

Burke maintained that organizers had fulfilled their financial obligations and had attempted to recover the money following the rapper's withdrawal.

"Millions went into the show; Cardi B received [US]$2.5 million for her performance, and that money was sent directly to her. She was paid in full," Burke said.

He added that organizers had requested reimbursement after it became apparent that the rapper would not appear at the rescheduled event, but claimed they received no response from her representatives.

However, Cardi B disputed receiving the full amount, explaining that she had been paid approximately US$1 million as an initial deposit, with additional money intended to cover production expenses.

According to the rapper, the second payment was due September 17 but was not received by the agreed deadline, leaving insufficient time to organize the equipment, dancers, flights and accommodations required for her performance.

She alleged that an additional US$750,000 was eventually transferred shortly before the scheduled concert, after she had already decided to withdraw, and that she returned the payment.

Cardi B also accused organizers of misrepresenting the nature of the event, claiming it had initially been presented as a festival featuring multiple performers before becoming heavily centered on her appearance.

In another allegation, the rapper claimed that the Jamaican government had offered to cover outstanding production expenses to help salvage the concert.

She also rejected suggestions that a death in her family had prompted her withdrawal, maintaining that the cancellation resulted from disagreements over the promoter's handling of the event.

Cardi B was originally scheduled to headline the Cardi B & Friends concert at Kingston's National Stadium on October 18 as part of BZR WKND Jamaica.

Her representatives confirmed her withdrawal on October 8, just 10 days before the scheduled performance, prompting uncertainty among patrons who had purchased tickets and made travel arrangements.

Organizers subsequently postponed the concert until December 20 and announced arrangements for ticket refunds.

On November 5, BZR WKND organizers said all outstanding requested refunds had been processed, although they advised patrons that the funds could take additional business days to appear in their accounts.

Despite the dispute, Cardi B has maintained that she remains interested in performing for her Jamaican fans under different arrangements.