Cardi B has been found not liable in a $24 million civil lawsuit. Former security guard Emani Ellis accused her of assault during a 2018 OB-GYN appointment in Beverly Hills.
Ellis alleged that Cardi B — whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar — scratched her cheek with long fingernails, spat on her and hurled insults during the appointment. She claimed the injuries required plastic surgery and cost her the security job.
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Cardi B’s defense and testimony
Filed in 2020, the lawsuit accused the rapper of assault, battery, negligence and false imprisonment. At the time of the incident, Cardi B was four months pregnant and keeping her pregnancy private.
On the stand, she said Ellis invaded her privacy by following her through the building and attempting to record her on a phone.
Witnesses, including the office receptionist and the gynecologist, testified they saw a heated argument but no physical assault. Cardi B admitted to cursing at Ellis but denied ever touching her.
“I swear to God, I will say it on my deathbed: I did not touch that woman,” she told reporters after the verdict.
Viral courtroom clips
The trial drew widespread attention thanks to clips from Cardi B’s testimony that quickly spread online. At one point, she was pressed about her ever-changing hairstyles and explained bluntly that they were wigs. In another exchange, she answered a question on whether she said Ellis was physically bigger than her, pointing and saying, “I mean, look.”
Video also captured Cardi B dozing off during court sessions, sparking rumors online that she might be pregnant again — a claim she dismissed as “disrespectful.”
On Sept. 2, the Los Angeles jury reportedly deliberated for less than an hour before clearing Cardi B of all claims. While outside speaking with reporters, she issued a warning:
“The next person to try to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going 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.”
She also shared frustration that the trial forced her to miss her children’s first day of school.
Reports of another confrontation
Reports surfaced that Cardi B threw a marker at a man who asked her a personal question when speaking with reporters.
“Cardi, insiders are claiming Offset is publicly bragging about getting you pregnant for the fourth time. Do you foresee any paternity issues with Steffon Diggs?” the man asked.
“Stop disrespecting me,” she replied as she tossed a pen handed to her for autographs. “Don’t disrespect me.”
Even while navigating lawsuits, Cardi B is focused on her career. She told Billboard in a newly released interview that her first-ever headlining tour will launch in February, with more than 30 dates across North America.
