Cardi B’s recent appearance as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live may have been more dramatic behind the scenes than viewers saw on screen. Reports surfaced on February 25, 2026, alleging a heated incident during rehearsals stemming from a joke about Nicki Minaj. The alleged outburst occurred ahead of the reveal’s 1,000th episode, which aired on January 31, 2026, with Alexander Skarsgård as host.

According to sources, the situation unfolded as the “Weekend Update” team ran through their material before dress rehearsal. The reported catalyst was a joke referencing Nicki Minaj’s recent political affiliations, specifically her association with MAGA, a point of contention that apparently triggered a strong reaction from Cardi B. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between the two artists, a rivalry that has played out publicly for years, including previous instances of Minaj allegedly targeting Cardi B’s children on social media.

The situation reportedly escalated quickly. Sources claim Cardi B threatened to withdraw from the show and allegedly physically reacted to the joke, throwing her phone at a television monitor. Further reports indicate she entered a producers’ office and damaged a screen. The alleged damage necessitated a replacement before the dress rehearsal could commence, leaving those present feeling “unsettled and scared,” according to sources.

The joke in question was ultimately removed from the “Weekend Update” segment. Representatives for Cardi B and Saturday Night Live have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.

The history between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj is well-documented, marked by both professional competition and personal clashes. In January 2026, a Reddit thread discussed the potential for a memorable appearance by Cardi B on SNL, given the context of Minaj’s recent public actions (Reddit). This latest incident adds another layer to their complex relationship.

This isn’t the first time Cardi B’s appearance on SNL has generated buzz. She previously appeared on the show in 2018, notably while pregnant, a moment remembered by Bleeding Cool. The show’s return after an Olympics break, with Cardi B as the musical guest, was anticipated, but the alleged rehearsal drama has overshadowed the lead-up.

Joy Reid recently addressed the situation, reacting to the reports and discussing the broader context of the feud between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj (YouTube). The incident has quickly become a trending topic, with TMZ reporting on the details just hours ago (TMZ).

The situation raises questions about the pressures faced by performers and the boundaries of comedic material, particularly when it touches on personal or sensitive subjects. As of now, it remains to be seen whether Cardi B or SNL will release an official statement addressing the allegations. The incident is likely to fuel further discussion about the dynamics between artists and the creative process behind a live television show.

The coming days will likely bring further scrutiny of this incident, and potentially, more details about what transpired during the Saturday Night Live rehearsal. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and reactions in the comments below.

Country music singer Conner Smith will not face criminal charges following a fatal pedestrian accident last summer in Nashville, Tennessee. Prosecutors have withdrawn a misdemeanor citation against Smith stemming from the incident, which resulted in the death of 77-year-old Dorothy “Dot” Dobbins. The decision comes at the request of Dobbins’ family, according to officials.

The Davidson County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the withdrawal of the citation, initially issued for failure to yield the right of way resulting in death, a Class A misdemeanor. This development marks a significant turn in the case, which garnered attention after the rising country star was involved in the tragic collision.

The incident occurred in June 2025, as Dobbins was crossing 3rd Avenue North near Van Buren Street in a marked crosswalk in the Germantown neighborhood. Smith, driving a Chevrolet Silverado, struck Dobbins, who was subsequently transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she later died, as reported by ABC News.

Worrick G. Robinson IV, Smith’s attorney, released a statement expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect with the Dobbins family. “This devastating accident was a profound tragedy for the family of Dot Dobbins and the larger Germantown community,” Robinson said. “Over the past several months, Conner has been grateful for the opportunity to get to know Dot’s family personally and be able to voice his deep and sincere grief. While he is grateful that this legal chapter has concluded, he will continue to steadfastly lift her family up in prayer.”

The initial charge against Smith was filed in July 2025, following an investigation by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. KOMO News reported that police determined Dobbins was in a marked crosswalk when she was struck by Smith’s pickup truck. Witnesses reported Smith immediately rendered aid until paramedics arrived.

Following the accident, community members called for increased pedestrian safety measures at the intersection. City leaders responded by installing yield-for-pedestrian signs and rapid flashing beacons, though some residents argued these improvements were insufficient after a cyclist was subsequently injured in another crash at the same location.

The decision to drop the charges highlights the sensitive nature of the case and the impact of the tragedy on all involved. The withdrawal of the misdemeanor citation, made at the explicit request of the Dobbins family, brings a degree of closure to this chapter, though the pain of loss remains.

While the legal proceedings have concluded, the focus now shifts to continued efforts to improve pedestrian safety in the Germantown neighborhood and prevent future tragedies. The Nashville Department of Transportation will likely continue to evaluate and implement safety enhancements at the intersection of 3rd Avenue North and Van Buren Street.

What comes next remains to be seen, but the community’s commitment to pedestrian safety will undoubtedly remain a priority. Share your thoughts on this story in the comments below.

Eva Marcille, the winner of Cycle 3 of “America’s Next Top Model,” has expressed her surprise and shock at the allegations detailed in Netflix’s recently released docuseries, “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.” The model and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star revealed she was “gobsmacked” after watching the series, admitting she was unaware of the extent of the issues faced by contestants during and after the show’s run.

Marcille, who competed under her maiden name Eva Pigford, appeared on “CBS Mornings” Thursday, February 19, 2026, to discuss her reaction to the documentary. She described a feeling of disconnect, stating it felt “bizarre” to have been a part of the “America’s Next Top Model” experience without knowing the full scope of what was happening behind the scenes. The docuseries has sparked widespread conversation about the show’s impact on its participants and the responsibility of production teams in reality television.

The three-part Netflix series delves into a range of serious allegations, including claims of sexual assault, racially insensitive photoshoots, and the emotional toll taken on contestants. Shandi Sullivan, a runner-up from Cycle 2, has publicly recounted an alleged sexual assault on set, a claim that has brought renewed scrutiny to the show’s production environment. The documentary also highlights instances where contestants felt pressured into undergoing medical procedures for “marketability,” and alleges exploitation of personal trauma.

Marcille acknowledged that she experienced pressure during her time on the show, but emphasized that her experience didn’t compare to the disturbing accounts presented in the documentary. “I was in awe… my mouth was wide open,” she told CBS hosts Gayle King, Nate Burleson and Vladimir Duthiers. “To be a part of a club and not realize what’s going on in the club is crazy.”

Notably, Marcille stated she was not contacted to participate in the documentary. “They didn’t ask me,” she said, expressing surprise at being excluded from the project. According to People Magazine, the series largely focuses on the experiences of contestants who faced significant challenges, rather than highlighting the successes of winners like Marcille.

Despite the troubling revelations, Marcille credits “America’s Next Top Model” with launching her career. As reported by The Gossipherald, she reflected on how improbable her win was, particularly as the shortest contestant and a Black woman in an industry often lacking diversity. “Being that I was the shortest girl on my season, and a Black girl at that, it’s unheard of in modeling. It will never happen again,” she said.

The documentary also raises questions about the role of producers and judges in creating a potentially harmful environment. Marcille suggested that such an environment could not have existed without the active participation of those in positions of power. “That environment could not exist without producers aiding and embedding what was going on,” she explained.

While Marcille’s experience appears to have been more positive than those highlighted in “Reality Check,” her reaction underscores the widespread impact of the documentary and the ongoing conversation surrounding the ethics of reality television. The series has prompted a reevaluation of the show’s legacy and the responsibility of those involved in its production.

The fallout from the documentary is likely to continue as viewers and industry professionals grapple with the allegations and their implications. It remains to be seen what, if any, changes will be made to the production practices of reality television shows in light of these revelations.

What are your thoughts on the allegations made in the “Reality Check” documentary? Share your opinions in the comments below.