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Last call for GURU: free and virtual, Nov 12–13
What do Molly Ringwald, Dan Levy, Amy Porterfield & a world record have in common? They'll all be at GURU Conference 2026. 100% Free. 100% Virtual.
If you're obsessed with marketing like we're obsessed with marketing, GURU is the must-attend conference of the year. We'll be covering all things email marketing: B2B, B2C, newsletters, deliverability, email design, AI & more.
You can expect to walk away with new email strategies, the very latest digital trends, and how to step up your email performance. But don't worry, we also like to have fun. This year's theme is rom-com, so there will be DJs, meet-cutes, and a cutest pet contest. (Start prepping your dog's headshot now.)
Don't miss out. Join us Nov 12th & 13th for the largest virtual & free email marketing conference, powered by Constant Contact.
The Bronx rapper shared a lengthy statement on X on November 2, responding to Mona’s criticism of comments she made during a 2024 Instagram Live. According to Cardi, a 15-minute discussion was reduced to a 13-second clip that misrepresented her views on colorism and success in the entertainment industry.
Mona, known for her appearances on The Joe Budden Podcast, previously argued that Cardi’s lighter complexion and Latina background helped create opportunities that darker-skinned women might not receive, even while acknowledging her talent.
Cardi pushed back against the suggestion that her complexion explains her rise to fame, insisting she has never denied that colorism exists.
Drawing from her experiences working in strip clubs, the Grammy-winning rapper recalled witnessing how darker-skinned women were treated differently. She also acknowledged the impact of colorism in workplaces and the justice system.
However, Cardi argued that her own journey was far from easy. She recalled being criticized for her teeth, acne, hairstyles and past as a stripper, saying industry figures initially doubted her potential as a star.
She maintained that her success came from years of hard work, understanding her audience and consistently proving herself.
The situation became more personal when Cardi directly addressed Mona, claiming the podcaster had privately contacted her for years seeking advice about surgery, career opportunities and securing brand deals.
Cardi questioned why Mona chose to revisit an old clip publicly instead of approaching her for clarification.
She then accused Mona of using the controversy to divert attention from backlash surrounding her remarks about Tia Kemp’s comedy career and ticket sales.
According to Cardi, Mona deliberately revived the colorism discussion while facing criticism for questioning Kemp’s success as a performer. Those allegations reflect Cardi’s interpretation of the dispute.
Despite her frustration, Cardi reiterated that acknowledging the advantages associated with lighter skin should not mean overlooking someone’s individual accomplishments.
The statement has brought renewed attention to an ongoing conversation about colorism, privilege and the challenges Black women face in entertainment.