NFL Star Escalates Legal Battle Over Paternity Claim, Vowing to Protect Family Amid Georgia Law Loophole – As Cardi B Calls Out “Harassment” in Explosive Outburst

ATLANTA – November 18, 2025 – The already tumultuous divorce between Cardi B and Offset has erupted into a full-blown paternity war, with the rapper’s new boyfriend, NFL star Stefon Diggs, issuing a fiery public warning to his predecessor: stay away from their newborn son. In a statement obtained by TMZ on Monday, Diggs, 31, the New England Patriots wide receiver who welcomed the baby boy with Cardi on November 13, declared, “He will not receive a single penny from my wife.” The ultimatum comes days after Offset’s deleted Instagram Story post – “My kid lol” – hinting at legal fatherhood under Georgia law, prompting Cardi to accuse him of “obsession” and harassment. As Diggs rallies lawyers for immediate action, the saga underscores the messy intersection of celebrity romance, state statutes, and co-parenting chaos.

The drama ignited last Friday when Offset, 33, whose real name is Kiari Cephus, posted and swiftly deleted the cryptic Story after Cardi announced the birth of her fourth child – her first with Diggs – via a black-and-white Instagram photo captioned “Our little king has arrived. Healthy, happy, and ready to rule.” The couple, who went public at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards in May, had been dating for about a year following Cardi’s July 2024 divorce filing from Offset after seven years of marriage. But Georgia Code § 19-7-20(a) – the marital presumption law – presumes a child born during marriage is legitimate, with the husband as legal father, even if separated or if another man is the biological parent. Cardi and Offset remain technically wed due to ongoing financial disputes, including asset splits and tax liabilities, leaving Diggs in a precarious position.

Diggs, confirmed as the biological father via a private paternity test (per sources), wasted no time. His statement, delivered through attorney Tamar G. Arminak, vows “fierce protection” of the family: “Offset will not receive a single penny from my wife. We’re taking swift legal steps to establish full paternity rights and ensure our son’s security.” Arminak, who recently handled Diggs’ legitimation petition for model Aileen Lopera’s daughter Charliee (born April 2025), confirmed Diggs’ acknowledgment and requested genetic testing in that case – a blueprint now applied here. “Stefon is committed to being a great father,” she said. “This is about safeguarding his child from external threats.”

Cardi, 33, whose real name is Belcalis Almanzar, unleashed her fury on X (formerly Twitter) in a series of now-deleted posts, branding Offset “obsessed” and claiming his actions endangered her safety. “Y’all be thinking it’s so funny and it’s not… it’s been over a year and I’m still being harassed and threatened to the point that I feel like my life in danger,” she wrote. “Mf’ers do anything for attention and it could get real nasty with just one upload… LEAVE ME TF ALONE.” In a Call Her Daddy podcast episode aired Sunday, Cardi elaborated: “Only reason why I’m still married is because somebody wants me to pay for their taxes… and give them one of my properties.” She and Offset share daughters Kulture, 7, and Blossom, 2 months, and son Wave, 3 – a co-parenting dynamic already strained by Offset’s absenteeism accusations.

Offset’s camp remains defiant. His lawyer, Drew Findling, told People: “Kiari is heartbroken and fighting for his rights. The law is clear – until the divorce is finalized, this is his child legally.” The post, which sparked 3.5 million views before deletion, was interpreted as a jab at the presumption law, but Offset later claimed it was “hacked” or “misconstrued.” Friends say he’s “desperate for attention” amid his own drama, including a 2024 tax lien and substance abuse rumors.

Legal experts predict a protracted fight. “Diggs can file for legitimation, but Offset’s presumption holds until disproven,” said Atlanta family law attorney Randall M. Kessler. “Paternity tests will decide biology, but custody battles could drag into 2026.” Cardi, who covers “staggering six-figure expenses” for their three kids per court docs, seeks sole custody and child support reform. Diggs, earning $21 million annually, has pledged full involvement.

Fans are reeling. #ProtectCardisBaby trended with 2.8 million posts, supporters rallying behind Diggs: “Stefon’s stepping up – Offset’s just noise.” Cardi posted a family photo Monday: “Love conquers all.” As the battle rages, one truth emerges: in celebrity splits, the children pay the highest price. Will Georgia’s loophole shatter this new family? Or will Diggs’ vow hold firm? The courts – and the headlines – will decide.