The phrase “bad press is still press” doesn’t seem to hold water for rapper Playboi Carti this week, as a controversial video has sparked outrage across social media platforms. Captured by TikToker Charles (@jorgew3y), the footage shows Carti’s entourage reportedly pursuing and tackling his girlfriend before stealing her phone. The catalyst? A photo of Carti himself — one he allegedly found unflattering.
In fairness, the image wasn’t exactly kind. Shown in a separate video, the picture has the rapper looking rather camp in a silly image. So he can’t be entirely blamed for being upset. But violent? That’s another story.
Indeed, the incident has left fans and critics alike questioning the rapper’s behavior, with the viral TikTok receiving widespread attention and being hotly debated on Reddit.
The video begins with Carti’s girlfriend being confronted by members of the entourage. Allegedly upset over a picture she had taken (with his consent, according to @jorgew3y’s account), Carti reportedly sent his crew after her in what escalated into a physical altercation. The footage captures shocking moments of the entourage wrestling the woman to the ground and forcibly taking her phone.
This incident appears even more baffling when the photo in question is revealed to be one Carti himself had shared on Instagram. One Reddit user pointed out, “He posted this photo to his Instagram, makes it worse that he got upset about it.” Others were quick to mock the absurdity of the situation, labeling the rapper’s reaction “clown behavior.”
Social media responses have been swift and scathing. Fans and critics alike have accused Carti of overreacting and perpetuating toxic behavior. A Reddit comment encapsulated the sentiment: “No surprise. Playboi Carti is an infamously unabashed piece of sh**.” Others joked about the Streisand Effect, suggesting this dramatic response will only amplify the circulation of the image Carti disliked.
TikToker @jorgew3y, who shared the footage, hasn’t made additional comments since the video went viral, but viewers have expressed concern for the victim and condemnation for the entourage’s aggressive actions.
This isn’t the first time Playboi Carti has found himself embroiled in public drama. Fans reminisced about past incidents, including allegations of unprofessionalism and erratic behavior. In one viral Reddit thread, users were quick to recount, “He robbed Adin Ross of 2 million dollars live in front of the whole world lol this guy has no boundaries.” Such anecdotes paint a picture of an artist who thrives on chaos, though many believe this latest controversy has crossed an unacceptable line.
The incident raises broader questions about boundaries, accountability, and the responsibilities of public figures. Celebrities often navigate the fine line between personal privacy and public scrutiny, but fans argue that Carti’s actions fall far outside any reasonable bounds of self-defense or dignity.
While Playboi Carti has not yet commented on the incident, public pressure is mounting for an apology and acknowledgment of the harm caused. For many, this is another unfortunate entry in a growing list of celebrity behaviors that fans are less willing to overlook.
