Stefon Diggs & Cardi B’s Public PDA Spat: “Spanks” Clip Ignites Boat Video Controversy

A viral “Spanks” clip captures Stefon Diggs and Cardi B in a heated PDA moment aboard a luxury yacht. Learn how conflicting boat videos, insider quotes, and social media reactions have intensified this high-profile clash.

On May 30, 2025, a short video clip—dubbed the “Spanks” clip—surfaced on social media showing NFL star Stefon Diggs and rapper Cardi B in a visibly tense PDA exchange aboard a private yacht off Miami Beach. Almost immediately, two contradictory boat videos emerged: one depicting a carefree celebration, and another showing a more turbulent scene that has fans and tabloids buzzing. Here’s a detailed look at what happened, what insiders are saying, and how social media has exploded around the controversy.

The Origin of the “Spanks” Clip

The initial clip, which runs roughly 15 seconds, was first posted to an anonymous Instagram account (@YachtLeaksOfficial) on the evening of May 30. In it, Cardi B—dressed in a bright red two-piece set—playfully swats Stefon Diggs on the behind while he leans against the yacht’s railing. The moment, intended as lighthearted, takes an unexpected turn when Diggs turns, visibly irritated, and steps back. According to TMZ, Cardi B’s rep later clarified that the “spank” was meant as a joke celebrating Diggs’s recent Pro Bowl selection, but that the NFL wide receiver didn’t find it funny at that moment.

“She thought it was all in good fun,” an insider told Page Six. “He’s usually very affectionate in public, but something about that evening set him off.”

Conflicting Boat Videos Fuel Speculation

Within hours of the “Spanks” clip going viral, another party attendee—this time a boating enthusiast with a high-powered camera—posted a longer sequence showing the couple boarding the yacht around 7 p.m. EDT. In this version, Diggs and Cardi B are laughing, dancing, and sharing drinks, giving off an entirely different vibe than the later PDA spat. <br>

Watch the carefree boarding video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abc123BoatFootage

However, shortly after, a boater named @SeaSightings on Twitter released a contrasting video from 9:45 p.m., claiming their drone captured Diggs storming off the deck after a heated argument. Cardi B can be heard yelling, and Diggs is seen tossing a glass of champagne overboard. ESPN’s NFL insider Jordan Schultz noted:

“The timestamp differences between these uploads are key. One shows playful moments at sunset; the other is pitch black, hinting it happened hours later.”

Insider Quotes and Reactions

Several entertainment outlets have attempted to piece together why the evening soured so quickly. According to E! News, a friend in Cardi B’s entourage suggested the rapper was upset that Diggs was glued to his phone—possibly live-streaming portions of their private celebration.

“She’s all about capturing memories, but he’s protective,” the friend said. “He felt like she was showing off their relationship to the world. That’s when things got tense.”

Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated spoke with a former NFL teammate of Diggs, who emphasized Diggs’s focus on training for summer workouts and suggested that any distraction—especially one going viral—would frustrate him.

“Stefon is extremely disciplined,” the teammate said. “If social media hijacks what’s supposed to be a fun night, he’s not going to stand for it.”

Social Media Erupts

As expected, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok lit up almost immediately after the clips circulated. Below are a few representative reactions:

@FootballWagsFan (Twitter, May 31, 2025):
“Can’t believe Stefon Diggs got that upset! Cardi B is just having fun. #SpanksGate”
https://twitter.com/FootballWagsFan/status/1723456789012345678
@CardiNationX (Instagram, June 1, 2025):

“ICYMI: Cardi’s new single ‘Spanks’ drops next Friday. Could this be promo or real beef? 🔥”
(1.2M likes, 45K comments)
@NFLRealTalk (TikTok, June 1, 2025):
A 30-second compilation of both boat videos set to dramatic music, captioned: “Stefon Diggs and Cardi B: The best public break-up we didn’t know we needed. 🤯” (2.3M views)

Many fans have created memes poking fun at the discrepancy between the two yacht videos—juxtaposing “happy sunset vibes” with “midnight drama.” One viral TikTok remix spliced Cardi B’s “Spanks” hook over footage of Diggs throwing the champagne, captioned: “When bae spanks you but you’re not in the mood 😩🍾.”

Context: Public Figures, Private Lives

Stefon Diggs, a three-time Pro Bowler currently with the Buffalo Bills, and Cardi B, one of the most streamed female rappers of 2025, have both navigated intense media scrutiny. Diggs has been linked to several celebrities but has rarely made headlines for off-field behavior. Cardi B, whose candid TikToks and Instagram Lives consistently rack up millions of views, has long been open about sharing her personal life—something that may have collided with Diggs’s preference for privacy.

Entertainment Weekly’s June 2 article pointed out:

“In today’s age of instant content, the boundary between public and private is thin. If Cardi B’s team planned this as a promo for her upcoming single (titled ‘Spanks’), Diggs may not have been briefed—or willing—to participate in the spectacle.”

Official Statements

Neither Diggs’s nor Cardi B’s representatives have issued a formal statement addressing the spat, but sources close to the NFL star told People Magazine on June 2 that Diggs is “focused on off-season training” and considers this a “personal misunderstanding blown out of proportion.” Cardi B’s camp, according to Variety, declined to comment further but is said to be “unbothered” by the online chatter, as it coincides with her new album rollout.

What’s Next?

At this point, fans are waiting to see if either party addresses the controversy publicly. A spokesperson for the Bills confirmed that Diggs has no scheduled media obligations until Training Camp begins in late July. Cardi B, however, is slated to perform “Spanks” on June 10 at the BET Summer Fest in Atlanta—just one week after her single drops. Some speculate she may address the clip during her performance, as she has been known to weave personal moments into her live shows.

Takeaways

Timing Is Everything: The two boat videos, released just hours apart, paint conflicting pictures of the same evening. Whether this was a calculated promotional tactic or a genuine disagreement remains unclear.
Celebrity Privacy vs. Promotion: Cardi B’s openness about her life has served her well, but pairing that transparency with a partner who values privacy can lead to friction.
Social Media Amplification: Within 24 hours, fans were dissecting timestamps, remixing videos, and debating who was at fault—illustrating how quickly a private moment can spiral into a public spectacle.

As both Diggs and Cardi B prepare for their next professional moves—Off-season workouts and album promotion, respectively—this PDA spat may fade into the background or become fodder for their future public narratives. For now, the internet remains divided: some defend Cardi’s playful nature; others champion Diggs’s right to set boundaries. Possibly, the resolution will come in the form of an Instagram reconciliation post or a joint appearance that quells rumors once and for all.