Soccer star Maduka Okoye has been publicly accused of being an absent father by his ex-partner, Jelicia Westhoff, following reports of him dining with rapper Cardi B.
Westhoff, a model, took to social media to express her grievances, with screenshots shared online showing her stating that Okoye allegedly does not care for their son, Isaiah Emil Jr. Okoye. According to Westhoff, the professional athlete has not visited their child, who is now three years old, even when hospitalized. "MY son got hospitalized 4 times, ON the intensive care, with an ambulance!!!" Westhoff reportedly wrote. "his FATHER Didnt even [come]!"
She further claimed that Okoye is too "busy punishing his mother and being a baddie on social media" to engage with their son. Westhoff also alleged that Okoye cheated on her with both men and women and claimed he was physically abusive.
In a statement to Page Six, Westhoff said she has "nothing against" Cardi B, adding, "[It’s] about you going out with any woman in public knowing that you don’t take care of your child."
The controversy emerged after Okoye and Cardi B were photographed dining together at Gio's restaurant in Italy. Video obtained by TMZ showed the pair seated together with a group of other individuals. Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Almánzar, was reportedly seen having a conversation with Okoye, with no public displays of affection noted.
This is not the first time the two have been seen together publicly. Earlier this month, they were seated side-by-side at the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture show in Paris. Videos circulated online showing Okoye assisting Cardi B to her seat and later engaging in what appeared to be a flirty conversation on a terrace.
Cardi B recently ended a relationship with NFL free agent Stefon Diggs, with whom she shares a son born in November. The rapper also has three other children with her estranged husband, Offset.