By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – Bronx-born rap superstar Cardi B has decisively responded to accusations made by Alex Bruesewitz, a political advisor to former President Donald Trump, who attempted to link her to a recent report detailing the use of automated accounts, or bots, to amplify conservative-leaning posts by rapper Nicki Minaj on the social media platform X. The public exchange, which unfolded on X, saw Cardi B not only refute the claims but also threaten legal action against Bruesewitz for defamation.
The controversy began with a report by Politico, authored by journalist Jason Beeferman, which highlighted findings from the disinformation research firm Cyabra. According to Cyabra’s analysis, an estimated 18,000 bots were actively engaging with Nicki Minaj’s posts that leaned towards conservative political viewpoints, significantly boosting their visibility on X. Dan Brahmy, the CEO and founder of Cyabra, reportedly informed Politico that the overwhelming majority of this online activity originated from inauthentic accounts.
Bruesewitz, in a public statement on X, vehemently dismissed Politico’s report as "100% BS." He asserted that Nicki Minaj, whom he described as "the most popular female rapper of all time," did not require bots to promote her content. His primary contention, however, was directed at the credibility of Cyabra and the journalist. Bruesewitz accused Politico’s Beeferman of being a "fake news hack" and pointed to an alleged partnership between Cyabra and Cardi B’s agent as a conflict of interest that was not disclosed in the article. He argued that this undisclosed relationship was "incredibly unethical and inappropriate" given the well-documented public disputes within the music industry, particularly between Minaj and Cardi B. Bruesewitz concluded his remarks by proclaiming, "Fake news is the enemy of the people!"
Cardi B, upon learning of Bruesewitz’s statements, did not remain silent. She took to X to directly address the Trump advisor, expressing her strong disapproval of being drawn into a narrative that she claims has no bearing on her. She meticulously dismantled Bruesewitz’s assertion of her potential involvement, presenting facts about Cyabra’s operational structure and clientele. Cardi B highlighted that Cyabra is a data analytics company with a diverse group of investors and prominent customers, citing figures such as Mike G, Elon Musk, and Pepsi. She also noted the presence of former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on their board of advisors, underscoring the company’s legitimacy and broad reach.
"So what you need to focus on is the fact that data is VERY real and leave me out of your bullst," Cardi B stated emphatically. "I do not have anything to do with that and I don’t give AF!!" She further challenged Bruesewitz to deny her claims, issuing a stern warning about the consequences of involving her in such matters. "See what happen when you involve me in st that don’t have nothing to do with me? I get down to the GRISTLE of it!!" The rapper reiterated her intention to pursue legal action, referring to Bruesewitz as a "wet dirty dog" and promising to sue him for defamation.
Cardi B also commented on the broader context of Bruesewitz’s involvement, suggesting that his focus on such a dispute was misplaced given the current economic climate in America. She pointed to issues like business closures, declining home prices, and high interest rates, contrasting them with a political advisor engaging in a public argument with a female rapper on Twitter. She indicated that her current focus was on her sold-out tour and that she had no interest in the political machinations of Trump’s associates.
Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, Mike G, identified as an advisor and investor in Cyabra through his involvement with United Talent, stepped in to defend Cardi B and clarify his own position. He explicitly stated on X that his advisory role and investment in Cyabra, along with other tech ventures, were entirely separate from Cardi B. He asserted that Cardi B’s influence and cultural impact were organic and did not rely on bots, manufactured narratives, or artificial hype. "She moves culture on her own," Mike G declared. He emphasized that his professional activities involved investing in innovation and representing artists, and that these were distinct professional lanes. He characterized any attempt to conflate these matters as "lazy and misleading."
The exchange between Cardi B and Alex Bruesewitz, along with Mike G’s intervention, provided a stark illustration of the intersection between celebrity, political discourse, and the evolving landscape of online influence and disinformation. Cardi B’s robust defense and threat of legal action underscore a growing trend of public figures directly confronting accusations and holding those who spread alleged falsehoods accountable, particularly when their reputations are at stake. The controversy also sheds light on the complexities of identifying and attributing online influence, especially in the context of sophisticated bot networks and their potential manipulation for political or social agendas.