If you’ve spent any time in the corner of the internet dedicated to Florida rap or the legacy of the late XXXTentacion, you’ve definitely seen the name Cleopatra Eretha Dreena Bernard. Most people just call her Cleo. She’s one of those figures who manages to stay constantly in the headlines, yet remains sort of an enigma. To some, she’s the ultimate "momager" who turned her son's tragic passing into a multi-million-dollar estate empire. To others, she’s a grieving mother doing her best to navigate a messy, public life she never asked for.
Honestly, the reality is probably a mix of both. Being the mother of Jahseh Onfroy (XXXTentacion) isn't a small job. Since 2018, she’s been the gatekeeper of his vault, his image, and his family’s future. But who is she outside of the "rapper’s mom" label?
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The Early Days and the Florida Roots
Cleopatra Bernard was born on February 15, 1980. She’s a 45-year-old Aquarius who grew up in Jamaica and later moved to Florida. Life wasn't always flashy cars and designer clothes. When Jahseh was growing up, things were... complicated. She was young when she had him, and due to financial struggles and personal hurdles, Jahseh spent a lot of time being raised by his grandmother, Collette Jones.
It's no secret that Jahseh and Cleo had a rocky relationship early on. He often spoke about his desire for her attention and how that shaped his chaotic, sometimes violent youth. But by the time he blew up globally, they had reconciled. He bought her a mansion. He made sure she was taken care of. Basically, she became his rock right as he was becoming the voice of a generation.
Managing the Estate of XXXTentacion
When Jahseh was killed in Deerfield Beach in June 2018, the world stopped for his fans. For Cleopatra Eretha Dreena Bernard, the nightmare was just starting. Suddenly, she was the head of a massive estate valued at over $50 million.
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Managing a posthumous music career is a minefield. You've got unreleased tracks, brand deals, and the "Bad Vibes Forever" record label to run. Cleo didn't just sit back. She leaned in. She was the one who revealed the gender of Jahseh’s son, Gekyume Onfroy, just months after the rapper’s death. She’s the one who oversaw the release of albums like Skins and Bad Vibes Forever.
The Friction and the Lawsuits
You can’t have that much money and influence without some serious drama. It’s kinda inevitable. Cleo has faced significant pushback from both fans and family members.
- The Half-Brother Conflict: Corey Pack, Jahseh's half-brother, has been in a long-standing legal battle with Cleo. He claimed she was "shuffling" money into shell companies to keep him from his 25% stake in the estate.
- The Producer Feuds: She went toe-to-toe with James "Jimmy Duval" H. Duval, the producer of "Look At Me!" over royalties and credits.
- The "Cash Cow" Narrative: Some fans feel she over-commercialized Jahseh’s death. Every time a new piece of merch drops or a rough demo is released, the "Cleo is just chasing a check" comments start flying.
Why She’s a Social Media Lightning Rod
Cleo isn't your typical "grandma-style" celebrity mom. She’s active on Instagram, she looks decades younger than she is, and she doesn't shy away from showing off her lifestyle. In late 2024 and throughout 2025, she sparked a massive debate online by posting what the internet calls "thirst traps"—glamorous, high-fashion photos that some fans felt were "inappropriate" for a mother in mourning.
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But here’s the thing: mourning doesn't have a shelf life or a dress code. She’s a woman in her 40s living her life in Florida. Whether people like it or not, she’s built a personal brand that exists outside of just being "X's mom."
The Philanthropy Side
It’s not all courtrooms and Instagram photos. Cleo runs the XXXTentacion Foundation. Through this, she’s done some genuinely good work that often gets overshadowed by the gossip:
- Donating to SOS Children’s Village in Florida.
- Providing potable water to Jackson, Mississippi, during their water crisis.
- Assisting low-income families with rent and basic necessities.
What Most People Get Wrong About Cleopatra Bernard
The biggest misconception is that she’s a "villain" in the story of XXXTentacion. People love a narrative, and "greedy mother" is an easy one to sell. But if you look at the facts, she’s protected Jahseh’s legacy in ways few others could. She’s kept his name in the Billboard charts for years after his death. She’s made sure Gekyume is set for life.
Is she perfect? Probably not. But navigating the murder of your child while the entire world watches and critiques your every move? That’s a level of pressure most of us can’t even imagine.
Moving Forward: The Next Steps for the Estate
If you're following the saga of Cleopatra Eretha Dreena Bernard, keep an eye on these developments:
- The Documentary Impact: Re-watching Look At Me: XXXTentacion provides a lot of context on her perspective versus Jahseh's. It’s a raw look at their family dynamic.
- The Trust Transparency: The legal battles with Corey Pack are a major point of interest. Watch for public filings regarding the Bad Vibes Forever LLC holdings to see how the estate is actually being distributed.
- The Foundation's Growth: If you want to see her "non-celebrity" side, follow the foundation’s impact reports. It's the most direct way she carries out her son’s final wishes of giving back to the community.
Cleo is going to remain a controversial figure as long as XXXTentacion’s music is being played. She’s the architect of his immortality, for better or worse. Whether you're a fan of her style or a critic of her business moves, you can't deny that she's a powerhouse in the music industry today.