Cardi B has been completely cleared of assault allegations after a Los Angeles jury found her not liable in a civil lawsuit brought by a former security guard. Emani Ellis had accused the Grammy-winning hip hop artist of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, claiming Cardi B scratched her face with a fake fingernail and spat on her during an incident outside an obstetrician’s office in February 2018. After deliberating for less than an hour, the jury delivered a swift verdict, concluding that Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, did not commit the acts she was accused of.
The rapper, who was four months pregnant at the time of the alleged incident, testified vehemently that she never touched Ellis. She maintained that the encounter was purely verbal and a result of Ellis allegedly invading her privacy by following her and attempting to film her during a private doctor’s appointment. The office had been closed to other patients to ensure Cardi B’s privacy, as her pregnancy was not yet public knowledge. Cardi B’s spirited defense, marked by candid and often humorous exchanges, captured significant public attention, with clips of her testimony going viral online.
The Allegations and Cardi B’s Defense
Emani Ellis, the former security guard for the building, filed the lawsuit in 2020, alleging a disturbing sequence of events. She claimed that Cardi B, during a heated exchange, spat on her face and inflicted a scratch with a long, fake fingernail. Ellis asserted that this injury required cosmetic surgery and subsequently led to her losing her job. The lawsuit initially sought substantial damages, with Cardi B stating from the stand that she was being sued for $24 million, although Ellis’s attorney later indicated the exact amount was for the jury to decide. The claims encompassed assault, battery, negligence, and false imprisonment.
Cardi B’s testimony painted a different picture. She described feeling threatened and concerned about her privacy being compromised during her pregnancy. She recalled Ellis following her to her fifth-floor appointment, saying her name into a phone, and appearing to film her. “I told her, ‘Why are you recording?'” Cardi B testified. “And she said, ‘Oh my bad.’ She practically apologized.” However, the rapper admitted the argument escalated, with both women becoming chest-to-chest. Despite this confrontation, Cardi B firmly asserted that the altercation never became physical. “She couldn’t get a scratch from me because I didn’t touch her,” she stated on the stand. She even described herself as “very disabled” at that moment due to her pregnancy, drawing laughter from the courtroom.
Witness Testimony and Viral Moments
The trial, held in Alhambra, California, included testimony from witnesses who largely supported Cardi B’s account. Tierra Malcolm, the receptionist at the doctor’s office who intervened in the argument, testified that she saw no physical fight and that Ellis may have caused a scratch on her own forehead. Dr. David Finke, the obstetrician Cardi B was visiting, also testified that he did not witness Cardi B hitting Ellis and that Ellis appeared to have no injuries.
The trial itself became a media spectacle, amplified by social media. Cardi B’s candid and sometimes expletive-laden responses, her discussions about her wigs, and her general demeanor on the stand generated widespread online commentary and viral clips. One notable moment involved her being asked if she was “disabled” while pregnant, to which she responded with humor and self-awareness, stating, “At that moment, when you’re pregnant, I’m very disabled.” This unfiltered approach, while drawing criticism from Ellis’s attorney for perceived disrespect, resonated with many who found her testimony relatable and authentic.
The Verdict and Aftermath
The jury’s decision to acquit Cardi B on all counts came after a brief deliberation period, signaling a clear victory for the rapper. Outside the courthouse, Cardi B expressed her relief and gratitude, thanking her legal team, the jurors, and the press. She also issued a strong warning to those who might consider filing frivolous lawsuits against her in the future, stating, “The next person who tries to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going counter-sue, and I’m gonna make you pay, because this is not okay.” She emphasized her innocence, saying, “I swear to God, I will say it on my deathbed, I did not touch that woman.”
The legal battle, which had been ongoing since Ellis filed her suit in 2020, had a personal toll on Cardi B, who mentioned missing her children’s first day of school due to the trial. The case highlights the challenges public figures face in navigating legal disputes and the intense scrutiny that accompanies them. This outcome ensures that the music star can continue focusing on her career without the significant legal and reputational shadow of this lawsuit, marking a significant chapter in her ongoing stories of public life and career. Ellis’s attorney indicated plans to appeal the decision. Cardi B’s legal team, led by attorneys like Ron Rosen Janfaza, successfully navigated the complex legal landscape, ultimately achieving a favorable verdict that reaffirms her stance. This case underscores the importance of evidence and the differing perceptions of events in civil litigation, especially when involving high-profile individuals.
The resolution of this case brings to a close a chapter that saw significant media attention and public interest, reinforcing Cardi B’s resilience and determination to defend her innocence.
