Cardi B Cleared of Assault Charges in $24 Million Civil Case

A Los Angeles jury has ruled in favor of rapper Cardi B, clearing her of assault claims in a $24 million civil lawsuit filed by a security guard who alleged that the artist attacked her outside a doctor’s office in 2018.

The trial, which began last week in Alhambra, focused on accusations by Emani Ellis that Cardi B cut her cheek with a 3-inch fingernail and spat on her during the encounter. At the time, Cardi B was four months pregnant with her first child, a fact that was not public, prompting the medical office to close for the day to protect her privacy.

During the proceedings, Cardi B testified, giving a vivid account of the incident and denying the allegations. She described how Ellis followed her, filmed her on her phone, and refused to give her personal space.

Ellis claimed the encounter left her “traumatised,” but after roughly an hour of deliberation, the jury found Cardi B not liable on all counts, including assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and false imprisonment.

After the verdict, Cardi B spoke to reporters, asserting: “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.” She also asked fans to respect Ellis and her family’s privacy now that the case had concluded.

In a separate incident following the trial, Cardi B, visibly pregnant, confronted a reporter who posed invasive questions about her personal life. When asked, “Cardi, insiders are claiming that Offset is publicly bragging about getting you pregnant for the 4th time. Do you foresee any paternity issues with Stefa and Big?” she responded sharply, throwing a pen at the reporter and saying, “Stop disrespecting me. Don’t disrespect me.”

She then directly challenged the reporter: “Do you see women asking those types of questions to me? Why do you feel, as a man, that you get to ask me those kinds of questions? Act like you have some manners. And your mama taught you to respect women.”

The exchange generated mixed reactions online, with many praising Cardi B for standing up for herself, while others expressed concern over her physical reaction. Despite the legal pressures and her pregnancy, Cardi B remained unapologetic and assertive, highlighting her resilience both in and out of the courtroom.