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Cardi B has spoken out against bullying in New York schools following the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Ghanaian boy Javits Frimpong in the Bronx.
In a lengthy live video, the rapper described bullying in New York schools as a problem that starts as early as first grade, warning that persistent harassment can push vulnerable children towards joining gangs for protection.
She also addressed the treatment of immigrant children, particularly those from Africa and the Caribbean, claiming that foreign-born students are often targeted because of their accents, backgrounds and unfamiliarity with American culture.
Cardi B identified two types of bullies: children who act out because of difficult home circumstances and those whose parents enable their behaviour despite repeated complaints from teachers.
She urged parents to take bullying seriously, teach their children kindness and stop defending them when they mistreat others.
Her comments come after Javits, who moved from Ghana to live with his father in New York about a year ago, was shot while on his way to school near Crotona Park on October 29.
The teenager's father had alleged that the shooting could be connected to bullying, revealing that two students had reportedly been suspended for bullying his son just three days before the incident.
Cardi B also criticised the circumstances surrounding the teenager's shooting, questioning why children would target someone who had done nothing to them.
She concluded by saying she would never raise her children in a New York City neighbourhood because of the bullying and hostility she believes children experience there.
