Los Angeles jury rules in favor of Grammy-winning rapper in $24 million lawsuit over alleged 2018 altercation.
Rapper Cardi B has been cleared of all assault allegations in a civil lawsuit brought by a former security guard, following a swift and unanimous decision by a California jury on Tuesday.
The Los Angeles Superior Court jury, consisting of 12 members, deliberated for less than an hour before siding with the 32-year-old artist, whose chart-topping hits include “I Like It” and “Taki Taki.”
Background of the Case
The lawsuit was filed by Emani Ellis, a former security guard who alleged that Cardi B assaulted her outside a Beverly Hills medical building in 2018. Ellis was seeking $24 million in damages, claiming that the rapper—who was pregnant at the time—scratched her face, spat on her, and used racial slurs during the confrontation.
Ellis told the court she had asked Cardi B to leave the building, accusing the artist of “causing a disturbance.” However, during the trial, Cardi B—whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar—testified that Ellis was the aggressor, saying the guard had followed her and tried to film her without consent as she was heading to a prenatal appointment that had not yet been made public.
The rapper admitted that the two engaged in a heated verbal exchange but denied any physical contact, spitting, or use of racial language. Both Cardi B and Ellis are Black.
Cardi B Responds After Victory
Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse in Alhambra, a suburb of Los Angeles, Cardi B expressed relief over the outcome and issued a warning to potential future litigants:
“The next person to try to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going to countersue, and you’re going to pay,” she said. “I’m not that celeb that you’re going to sue and I’m going to settle. I work hard for my money.”
The rapper’s courtroom appearances—often featuring different wigs and hairstyles—also gained traction online, with video clips circulating widely on social media.
Ellis Stands by Her Claims
Despite the verdict, Ellis stood firm in her decision to pursue the case.
“I’m not at all sorry,” she told reporters. “What she did to me was real. I don’t want it to be overlooked or brushed under the rug.”
A Legal Win and a Message
The case marks another legal win for Cardi B, who has faced multiple lawsuits over the years but maintains she will continue to fight against what she considers “baseless” legal claims.
