Charles Barkley made an obscene comment about Cardi B’s body as she performed at halftime during Game 3 of the NBA Finals 2026.
As the Grammy winner performed her hits “Bodega Baddie” and “Bodak Yellow” alongside the Knicks City Dancers in Madison Square Garden Monday night, “Inside the NBA” co-host Ernie Johnson commented, “Knicks up seven, looking for a 3-0 lead. We’ve been competing with Cardi B here.”
“We lost,” co-host Barkley, 63, quipped as Cardi — who showed off her curvy figure in a plunging croc-embossed bustier and leggings — was shown onscreen.
“I don’t know if those B’s. They might be Cardi D’s,” the former Philadelphia 76ers player said, referring to the “I Like It” rapper’s breasts.
“I’m pretty sure those aren’t B’s,” Barkley added as his co-hosts, Johnson, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal, erupted into laughter.
“I don’t know who said that, but I know it wasn’t me,” Johnson, 69, declared.
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Barkley kept the commentary about Cardi’s body going, adding, “She’s got the wrong initials.”
Fans online were divided about Barkley’s shocking comments.
“The man is a grown adult on national television reducing a performer to her body like it’s 1995. It’s not funny, it’s not clever, it’s just sad,” argued one user on X.
“Unc has lost all composure,” added another.
“Chuck just casually upgraded her to Cardi D’s mid broadcast. Man said the quiet part loud as hell. Legend,” tweeted a third netizen.
“Only Chuck can say something that wild and still be loved for it,” commented a fourth person.
Page Six has reached out to reps for Cardi and “Inside the NBA” for comment.
Cardi, born Belcalis Almánzar, attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks with her eldest son, Wave.
After her performance, the “WAP” emcee shared hilarious videos of the 4-year-old blocking her courtside view while holding onto his blue cotton candy.
Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Spurs and the Knicks will take place on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden.
