A Los Angeles jury has delivered a swift and unanimous verdict in favor of Grammy-winning artist Cardi B, finding her not liable for assault and battery in a civil lawsuit filed by former security guard Emani Ellis. The trial, which concluded on September 2, 2025, saw jurors deliberate for less than an hour before clearing the hip-hop star of all charges.
Allegations Surface from 2018 Encounter
The legal battle stemmed from an incident that occurred in February 2018 outside an obstetrician’s office in Beverly Hills. Emani Ellis, who was working as a security guard at the building, accused Cardi B of physically assaulting her during an altercation. Ellis claimed the rapper scratched her face with a long fingernail, causing a scar that required cosmetic surgery, and also spat on her. Furthermore, Ellis alleged that Cardi B used racial slurs, inflicted emotional distress, and that the incident ultimately cost her job and future career prospects in security. She had initially sought $24 million in damages.
Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that she never touched Ellis. At the time of the incident, the artist was approximately four months pregnant with her first child, Kulture, a fact she was keeping private from the public. The medical office had reportedly been closed to other patients that day to ensure her privacy.
Cardi B’s Defense: Privacy Fears and Verbal Altercation
During her testimony, Cardi B recounted that she believed Emani Ellis was attempting to film her and reveal the secret of her pregnancy. She stated that she approached Ellis, asking why she was recording, to which Ellis allegedly responded with an apology. However, the situation escalated into a heated argument. Cardi B admitted to the exchange becoming intense, with the two women standing chest-to-chest and exchanging profanities. Despite this, the rapper maintained firmly that the confrontation never became physical.
Cardi B also shared her experience of feeling vulnerable and “very disabled” due to her pregnancy, which she felt limited her ability to defend herself. Her testimony, often characterized by witty remarks and vivid descriptions – such as referring to Ellis as “security-heavy” – garnered significant attention online, with clips of her court appearances frequently going viral. She also addressed the state of her long, decorated acrylic nails, suggesting they were not sharp enough to inflict the alleged injury.
Corroborating Testimony and Expert Opinions
Adding weight to Cardi B’s defense, Tierra Malcolm, a receptionist at the obstetrician’s office, testified that she witnessed Ellis cornering Cardi B. Malcolm intervened, and in the process, the security guard reportedly reached for Cardi B, resulting in Malcolm sustaining a cut on her own forehead. Dr. David Finke, the obstetrician Cardi B was visiting, also testified, stating he observed Ellis causing the injury to Malcolm and hitting her shoulder. Crucially, he testified that Ellis appeared to have sustained no injuries herself.
Both Malcolm and Dr. Finke stated under oath that they never witnessed Cardi B physically strike Ellis. This testimony provided a significant boost to the defense’s argument that no physical assault occurred.
The Verdict: Swift Vindication
The jury, comprised of six men and six women, deliberated for less than an hour before returning a unanimous verdict. They found Cardi B not liable for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence. The swift decision reflected the jury’s likely agreement with Cardi B’s account that no physical contact took place.
Cardi B’s Reaction: Relief and a Warning
Emerging from the Alhambra courthouse, Cardi B expressed her relief and gratitude. She thanked her legal team, her fans, and everyone who supported her through the ordeal. “I swear to God, I will say it on my deathbed: I did not touch that woman,” Cardi B told reporters, reiterating her innocence. She also issued a stern warning to anyone considering frivolous lawsuits against her, stating, “The next person that tries to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going to countersue, and I’m gonna make you pay.”
Cardi B mentioned the personal toll the trial had taken, including missing her children’s first day of school. She also alluded to the stress of maintaining her appearance during the proceedings, joking about the frequent changes of wigs that left her forehead “raw.”
Plaintiff’s Response and Future Outlook
While Emani Ellis’s attorney indicated an intention to appeal the verdict, Ellis herself reportedly stated she was not angry about the jury’s decision and was glad to have had her day in court. The case, which garnered widespread media attention and significant online engagement due to the celebrity status of the defendant, highlighted the complexities of celebrity legal battles and the impact of public perception. It also underscored the challenges faced by individuals, including celebrities, during personal and private moments, such as pregnancy, when their privacy is paramount.
Cardi B’s victory in this civil trial reaffirms her stance of innocence and serves as a strong message against what she considers baseless legal actions. The outcome places her firmly in the good graces of the legal system for this particular top stories, reinforcing her position as a formidable figure not only in the music industry but also in navigating legal challenges.
This verdict concludes a significant chapter for the music star, allowing her to move forward with her career and personal life, having successfully defended her integrity in court. The broader implications for how such cases involving public figures are perceived and adjudicated may continue to be a subject of discussion within legal and entertainment circles.
