Cardi B Acquitted in Security Guard Assault Case

Sat Sep 13 2025 07:49:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A Los Angeles jury acquitted rapper Cardi B of all charges related to a 2018 incident where a security guard claimed she was assaulted. The case highlighted issues of privacy and celebrity in the legal system.

Cardi B was cleared of all assault charges by a Los Angeles jury after a security guard, Emani Ellis, accused her of cutting her cheek and spitting on her during an altercation outside an obstetrician's office. The jury deliberated for only one hour before reaching a verdict. Cardi B, who was pregnant at the time of the incident, emphasized her hard work and the importance of not allowing frivolous lawsuits to distract from her career. The case sparked media interest due to its dramatic testimony and the rapper's colorful court appearances.

Cardi B was cleared of assault by a Los Angeles jury after a security guard sued her for $24 million in a fingernail attack.

Emani Ellis alleged that the US rapper cut her cheek with a 3-inch (7.5cm) fingernail and spat on her outside an obstetrician's office in 2018. The rapper was pregnant at the time, which wasn't public knowledge.

The civil trial in Alhambra led to a series of viral moments as the rapper took the stand and offered colorful testimony about the incident and her fashion choices.

She told the court that the guard followed her and filmed her on her phone and wouldn't give her space or privacy. Ms. Ellis, though, said it left her traumatized.

The jury took only about an hour to clear the Grammy-winning rapper of allegations of assault, battery, and emotional distress, as well as negligence and false imprisonment.

Speaking to reporters following the ruling, Cardi B stated: I work all day and I work hard for my money, for my kids, for the people that I take care of. So don't you ever think that you're going to sue me, and I'm just going to settle.

After the verdict, the case generated significant media attention, particularly due to Cardi B's viral testimony and fashion sense noted throughout the trial.

Cardi B acknowledged that she and Ms. Ellis had a heated verbal altercation after Ellis publicly disclosed her private appointment details, escalating tension between them. While denying any physical assault, the rapper claimed that Ms. Ellis was being aggressive during their encounter.

The witness testimony from the doctor and staff present that day corroborated Cardi B's account of events, leading to the successful defense against the allegations.

In a celebratory mood, fans gathered outside the courthouse to show support, with humorous signs referencing past celebrity trials, highlighting the media circus surrounding the case.

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