Update: New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the Bronx will be “forever grateful” to Cardi B after the rap star announced she would cover the funeral expenses for the victims of the deadly Bronx apartment building fire. On Wednesday (Jan. 19), the mayor told TMZ, “We are grateful for Cardi B, a real superstar on and off the mic, for granting some critical financial relief to families of the victims. The city will be forever thankful to her and also to the grassroots donors and corporate partners who have been able to offer immediate support for our neighbors in need, to reestablish themselves during this difficult time.”
Original Story: Cardi B will cover the funeral costs and burial expenses for the 17 people who died in the tragic Bronx apartment building fire last week. The “WAP” rapper, who hails from the New York borough, is also partnering with The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, a nonprofit organization that works closely with city agencies.
“I’m extremely proud to be from the Bronx and I have lots of family and friends who live and work there still. So, when I heard about the fire and all of the victims, I knew I needed to do something to help,” Cardi said in a statement to CNN on Wednesday. “I cannot begin to imagine the pain and anguish that the families of the victims are experiencing, but I hope that not having to worry about the costs associated with burying their loved ones will help as they move forward and heal.”
“I send my prayers and condolences to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy,” she added.
The news arrives after the state of New York announced it would grant a $2 million fund for those affected by the deadly fire. According to a representative for Cardi, the 29-year-old is working with The Mayor’s Fund to make sure her donation goes to the families of those killed and “that the final wishes for their loved ones [are] met.”
As reported by REVOLT, the deadly fire ripped through the Bronx housing tower on Jan. 9, killing 17 people, including eight children. In a lawsuit, two tenants at the building claim landlords failed to adequately maintain the property, leading to hazardous safety concerns such as malfunctioning fire escapes.
Soon after the tragedy, fellow Bronx native Fat Joe launched a relief fund to benefit the survivors.
“My heart is saddened by the tragedy in my beloved Bronx. Please join me in supporting this community by donating to the Bronx Relief Fund at fatjoe.me/donatebronx,” he tweeted at the time, later adding that DJ Khaled and JAY-Z contributed to the fund.