Cardi B joined Normani on her latest single “Wild Side” and the music video was sensual, dramatic and super glam. And as with anything Cardi B does, everyone had an opinion on her performance.
As soon as the video dropped, the internet went, well, wild. It’s racked up over 50 million views thanks to the stunning choreography, epic outfits, and a sample from Aaliyah. However, what caught most people’s attention was Cardi B’s verse in the vid, where she and Normani embrace each other naked.
Several fans began tweeting about the video, saying that the duo were queerbaiting, which involves hinting at same-sex relationships between two people who aren’t actually queer as a way to attract LGBTQ+ viewers:
@Normani really exploited @iamcardib ‘s sexuality to try to make a “hit”. This kind of queer baiting only serves the male gaze and does so much harm to queer communities. Representation matters so much. Authentic representation is critical for the GP to take queer ppl seriously.
— 🥀🌹Roseney Spears🌹🥀 (@OMGItsAlex_) July 23, 2021
does anybody have a template so we can email the company about normani queerbaiting?:/
— hi (@sahiatron) July 16, 2021
Cardi B quickly caught wind of the backlash and attempted to clear up the confusion by explaining that she and Normani were posed that way to hide her pregnancy, also reminding people that she’s bisexual.
Related: LGBTQ+ terms you keep hearing and what they mean.
Uuummmm @RollingStone queer baiting? You do know we was trying to hide a whole baby bump right ?Also I’m married to a man but I have express soo much about my bisexuality and my experiences wit girls .All of a sudden “queer baiting” is the new word & people use it to the ground ! https://t.co/M3kn4NyJBs
— iamcardib (@iamcardib) July 23, 2021
Cardi B’s reaction ignited a conversation around sexuality and bi-erasure, as people assumed she was straight. The situation is a reminder to not blindly assume anyone’s sexuality, especially a celebrity who might not be out in their personal or public life. And while Cardi B was quick to defend herself, her sexual orientation isn’t anyone’s business but her own.
At least now fans can keep that in mind when Lizzo’s new song that the “WAP” rapper features on, is released on Friday.
Related: Celebrity coming out stories that will make you cry tears of Pride.
