Cardi B wins civil trial, found not liable in security guard lawsuit, Tiwa Savage calls for Tems‘ inclusion in Afrobeats ‘Big 3’ conversation, Matheus Cunha breaks silence on Man Utd injury blow. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest, which summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.
Here is a rundown of five of the hottest news topics…
1. Cardi B wins civil trial, found not liable in security guard lawsuit
Cardi B was won her civil assault trial in California.
A Los Angeles County jury declared her not liable on all claims from a former security guard who claimed she assaulted her in 2018. pic.twitter.com/qaFp8MCQhI
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) September 2, 2025
Cardi B has been cleared of all charges in a civil lawsuit filed by former security guard Emani Ellis, who accused the rapper of assault and battery stemming from a 2018 incident outside a Beverly Hills medical office. A Los Angeles jury found the 32-year-old rapper, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, not liable on Tuesday, September 2, bringing an end to the years-long legal dispute. Ellis had alleged that Cardi, then four months pregnant, struck her, spat on her, and used racial slurs during a confrontation. Cardi, however, maintained that their interaction was strictly verbal and that Ellis was the aggressor.
Following the verdict, Cardi B expressed gratitude to her legal team, fans, and the jury, telling reporters, “I did not touch that woman.” She also issued a warning to potential future litigants, saying, “This time around, I’m going to be nice. The next person to try and do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going to countersue, and I’m going to make you pay.” Ellis had originally sued in 2020, claiming not only physical and emotional harm but also accusing Cardi of using her celebrity status to get her fired. During testimony, Cardi admitted to shouting during the altercation but firmly denied any physical contact.
2. Tiwa Savage calls for Tems’ inclusion in Afrobeats ‘Big 3’ conversation
Tiwa Savage on the Big 3 convo:
— “I also feel like it’s unfair to have that conversation about the Big 3 and not mention someone like Tems” pic.twitter.com/DIb3u9oMlP
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) September 2, 2025
Afrobeats icon Tiwa Savage has sparked a renewed debate in the music world after asserting that it’s “unfair” to talk about the genre’s famed “Big 3,” Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, without including Tems. In a recent interview, Tiwa challenged the long-standing narrative that has long centered around the three male superstars, suggesting it’s time the conversation evolved to reflect the growing influence of female artists. “I also feel like it’s unfair to have that conversation about the Big 3 and not mention someone like Tems,” she said, donning a sleek black leather jacket as she calmly made her point.
The remarks have ignited widespread discussion across social media, with many applauding Tiwa for advocating greater recognition of women in Afrobeats. Tems’ résumé supports the argument; she’s a Grammy winner, a Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper, and a collaborator with global heavyweights like Drake and Beyoncé. As Afrobeats undergoes a generational shift, with rising stars like Rema, Ayra Starr, and Asake redefining the genre’s global sound, Tiwa’s comments raise a pressing question: Is it time to rethink who defines the top tier in Afrobeats?
3. Cory Booker announces engagement to girlfriend Alexis Lewis amid speculation about 2028 presidential run
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker is engaged. The 56-year-old Democrat revealed this week that he proposed to longtime girlfriend Alexis Lewis during a surprise moment on a recent trip to Kauai, Hawaii. Booker described the elaborate setup to reporters on Tuesday, saying he enlisted performers to deliver a staged “traditional Hawaiian greeting” that turned into a touching engagement moment. After Lewis excitedly reacted to hearing a favorite song she’d once said she wanted played at her wedding, Booker dropped to one knee. “Honey, this is actually the song being performed at your engagement,” he recalled telling her. “She said that’s when she blacked out. I had to show her pictures of me on my knees to tell her I got on a knee.”
Lewis, a vice president at Brasa Capital Management and former economic development aide in Los Angeles, has kept a low public profile, though her relationship with Booker is already drawing attention. The senator’s personal life has often been under scrutiny, including during his 2013 Senate race and his 2020 presidential run, when he dated actress Rosario Dawson. Dawson herself chimed in on social media with a warm message: “Love Love! Congratulations, you two!” Booker’s engagement comes as he prepares for a combative fall in Washington, vowing to “stand and fight” during the upcoming budget battle. The high-profile engagement and his recent 25-hour Senate speech have also fueled speculation about a possible 2028 presidential run.
4. Swizz Beatz addresses Alicia Keys’ divorce rumors after weeks of speculation
Swizz Beatz has officially put rumors of a split with wife Alicia Keys to rest, and he did it with humor. The 46-year-old superproducer addressed the swirling divorce speculation in the comment section of a post by The Shade Room that featured a video of the couple dancing together during their 15th anniversary vacation. “Everybody knew we was Divorced but us,” Swizz joked, adding six laughing emojis. “We found out on our 15yr anniversary vacation. People rather believe fake gossip instead of the truth because they’re miserable we have nothing to do with that!!! Bless up!!”
Rumors of infidelity and divorce began in late July, fueled by gossip vloggers and radio talk shows, including a viral YouTube video alleging Swizz had fathered a child outside their marriage. The speculation was further amplified by The Rickey Smiley Show’s #GaryWithDaTea segment. But the longtime couple, who tied the knot on July 31, 2010, and share two sons, Egypt, 14, and Genesis, 10, have remained silent until now. The recent clip and Swizz’s comment serve as a pointed rebuttal, reminding fans that not everything online is worth believing. The couple’s united front on their anniversary trip appears to be the clearest message yet: the rumors were just that.
5. Matheus Cunha breaks silence on Man Utd injury blow
Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha has spoken out for the first time since the muscle injury that forced him off early against Burnley and led to his withdrawal from Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The 26-year-old summer signing, who has started all four matches under Ruben Amorim this season, was substituted just after the 30-minute mark during United’s most recent Premier League outing. Fears of a lengthy layoff began to circulate, but Cunha has now reassured fans with a positive update.
Posting on Instagram, Cunha shared a carousel of images from his time at Old Trafford so far, accompanied by a heartfelt caption: “What an incredible environment, it’s great to be here. I’ll be back soon, always with joy and gratitude. Thanks for all the messages.” The Brazilian will spend the international break recovering, with hopes of returning in time for United’s high-stakes derby against Manchester City on September 14. While Brazil will face Chile without him, the Red Devils are optimistic their new attacking star won’t be sidelined for long.
Featured image: Ahmed Barber and Donte Maurice for Billboard
Our Weekday News Digest brings you a curated selection of the most compelling stories from around the globe. This week, we delve into the latest celebrity headlines, from Hollywood to Nollywood, explore trending global news, and highlight the most exciting sports developments of 2025.
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