A viral social-media claim alleging that Cardi B has committed $175 million to build a boarding school for orphans and homeless children in Chicago is circulating widely, despite no evidence that such a project exists. The posts, which appeared across Facebook, Instagram and other platforms in late November, assert that the American rapper has signed a deal to create "The Belcalis Academy of Hope," described as a landmark institution intended to offer housing, mentorship and education to vulnerable youth.
The rumour's rapid spread reflects both Cardi B's cultural prominence and the frequency with which fabricated celebrity philanthropy stories gain traction online. The artist, whose breakout album Invasion of Privacy won a Grammy Award, remains a dominant figure in hip-hop and social media. That visibility has often made her the subject of exaggerated or unsupported claims, particularly when tied to charitable narratives that resonate emotionally with audiences.
In this case, the story has not been verified by any credible source. There are no planning records or government filings associated with a $175 million school project in Chicago. Neither Cardi B nor her representatives have issued statements confirming involvement, and no charitable organisation or city official has referenced the initiative. The claim also lacks corroboration from major media outlets, raising immediate doubts about its authenticity.
Fact-checking organisations quickly labeled the story as false, noting that it fits a pattern of viral misinformation designed to mimic legitimate philanthropic announcements. Much of the momentum came from reposted graphics styled as breaking news, though none originated from recognised newsrooms. Some variations of the rumour even attempted to link the project to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, despite there being no documented connection.
The posts gained further visibility because Cardi B has previously spoken about education and contributed to charitable causes. In 2022, she donated $100,000 to I.S. 232 Alexander Macomb School, her former middle school in the Bronx, to support arts programmes including music, dance and creative expression. The donation was confirmed by the school and widely reported, providing a factual basis that may have made the fabricated Chicago project appear more plausible.
The pattern underscores how celebrity-driven misinformation can blend authentic past actions with fictional future projects. Social-media users cited the rapper's prior engagement with education as a reason to believe the rumour, even as the narrative lacked any evidentiary markers associated with actual large-scale development-such as architectural plans, funding disclosures or municipal approvals.
Officials in Chicago have not referenced any proposal resembling the alleged boarding school, nor has Cardi B's charitable activity suggested involvement in a nine-figure initiative. Analysts who monitor digital misinformation note that emotionally framed philanthropic hoaxes often circulate around the holiday season, when audiences are more receptive to narratives centred on generosity and community care.
