Cardi B Cleared in $24 Million Assault Lawsuit by Los Angeles Jury
Cardi B has been cleared of a $24 million lawsuit filed by a former security guard who accused the rapper of assault during an alleged incident in 2018. The Los Angeles jury ruled in her favor, dismissing all claims and freeing her from paying damages.
Cardi B wins $24M lawsuit as Los Angeles jury rules in her favor, dismissing assault claims from a former security guard over a 2018 incident.
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The lawsuit was filed by Emani Ellis, who worked as a security guard at the Beverly Hills building where Cardi B’s obstetrician’s office was located. Ellis claimed that the rapper, whose legal name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, left her with physical and emotional scars after allegedly scratching her cheek with a fingernail and spitting on her. Ellis further testified that she required plastic surgery and lost her job due to the unwanted attention from the incident.
Cardi B, who was pregnant at the time with her first child with husband Offset, countered that Ellis had followed her, recorded her with a phone, and ignored requests for space. According to testimony, the office was closed early that day to protect the rapper’s privacy, as she had not yet gone public with her pregnancy.
The trial included testimony from Cardi B’s doctor, David Finke, and his receptionist, both of whom stated that they never witnessed any physical altercation. Their accounts supported Cardi B’s claim that no assault took place.
The high-profile case, held in Alhambra, California, attracted significant media coverage. Cardi B’s courtroom presence and candid testimony drew attention, particularly as she firmly denied any physical contact with Ellis.
Following the jury’s decision, Cardi B addressed reporters outside the courthouse. Wearing a black outfit with white dots and a red bow, she expressed gratitude to her legal team, the jury, and her supporters. She reiterated her stance, saying she never touched Ellis and hoped the matter would be put to rest.
