Cardi B has got tongues wagging following her latest public appearance with soccer player Maduka Okoye.
The duo initially sparked romantic chatter after what fans interpreted as a flirty exchange during Paris Fashion Week earlier this month.
The timing of the connection, however, raises eyebrows, as the rapper’s baby father, Stefon Diggs, is knee-deep in a legal battle for sexual assault allegations.
It seems Cardi and Okoye pursued the connection formed during the fashion event and ended up in Italy enjoying a dinner date.
The pair were spotted keeping each other company at Gio’s restaurant at the St. Regis, looking over the Venice canal as they grabbed a bite, joined by other friends.
Although the Nigerian athlete and Cardi engaged in no PDA, they sat next to each other and appeared super chatty. The “Bodak Yellow” rapper stole all the attention in a plunging turquoise blue figure-hugging dress, with her jet black hair falling down her shoulder.
Eyewitnesses told TMZ the pair also watched a fireworks display from the hotel above the restaurant.
What Happened Between Cardi B And The Nigerian Athlete At PFW?
Sparks first began flying between the athlete and the entertainer during the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture show. Cardi and Okoye found themselves sitting next to each other, and he proved to be the perfect gentleman as he held her hand, helping her to her seat.
The swoon-worthy moment caught the attention of fans, according to Page Six, who couldn’t help but gush about how “good” they looked together.
For the show, the Grammy winner stunned in a zebra print ensemble with chunky knee-high platform boots. Okoye, on the other hand, rocked a mint-green two-piece with a white inner shirt.
The flirting continued as Cardi and Okoye were later seen having a moment on the terrace of a Parisian restaurant, with the rapper failing to control her laughter.
Fans React To Cardi B’s Interaction With Soccer Star
The timeline has since gone crazy with news of Cardi and Okoye’s Italy sighting, with the reactions ranging from harsh criticism to complete adoration.
One fan warned, “It’s gonna be another embarrassing situation like the last.. I like her but…” Another harsh comment read, “All she does is hop from one man to another. Does she even have time to take care of her kids?”
However, this user cheered, “As long as they are both single, then they should be having fun,” while another added, “She should have fun, but sis, I don’t want you to get pregnant again, please.”
Stefon Diggs’ Sexual Assault Case Could Involve Private Texts
The chatter about Cardi’s love life comes after her baby father, Stefon Diggs’ civil case involving influencer, Christopher Griffith, took a dramatic turn.
Griffith, who countersued the NFL star following a social media rift, accused him of sexual assault and claims he has evidence to prove it.
As reported by The Blast, Griffith, in his latest filing amid the ongoing legal battle, alleged he turned over to the court scores of files containing details of his communication with Diggs.
The material submitted reportedly contains over 100 pages of iMessage texts and Instagram DMs between both parties, per the court’s request.
The drama between Griffith and Diggs began last October when the Patriots receiver filed a defamation suit, alleging that the Internet personality spread lies about their time at Diggs’ Maryland home in May 2023.
It soon escalated when Griffith fired back in his countersuit, claiming the athlete drugged him and later assaulted him after he refused sexual advances.
Cardi B And Stefon Diggs Caught In Heated Clash
Amid Diggs’ legal drama, his relationship with Cardi B made headlines when they were caught in a spat outside a coffee shop and gym in Maryland.
Viral footage captured the New York rapper visibly angry as she yelled and gestured at the football player who leaned against the vehicle. However, there was no audio revealing what was said.
Following the altercation, Diggs broke his silence, dismissing any rumors that they were breaking up. “That’s my child’s mother. I love her to death,” he said, according to The Blast.
Cardi and the Viking alum debuted their romance in May 2025 and months later confirmed they were expecting a son together.
