Cardi B emerged victorious on September 2 after defeating a $24 million assault lawsuit. Former security guard Emani Ellis filed the case claiming the rapper attacked her in 2018. A jury of six men and six women in Alhambra, California, deliberated for only one hour before ruling in Cardi’s favor.
The Grammy-winning artist maintained her innocence throughout the five-day trial that began on August 26. The unanimous verdict came after extensive witness testimonies and courtroom drama. Cardi’s legal victory marks the end of a seven-year legal battle that originated from an incident at a Beverly Hills medical office.
Jury Unanimously Clears Cardi B in Assault Allegations
The jury reached a swift and decisive verdict after hearing all evidence presented during the trial. All twelve jurors agreed that Cardi B was not liable for the alleged assault. The decision required only nine jurors for a civil case, but the unanimous ruling strengthened Cardi’s position.
“I will say it in my deathbed. I did not touch that woman,” Cardi told reporters outside the courthouse. She emphasized her innocence repeatedly, stating she never laid hands on Ellis during the incident. The rapper expressed relief that the legal ordeal was finally over after years of proceedings.
However, Cardi also issued a stern warning to anyone considering filing frivolous lawsuits against her. She promised to counter-sue future plaintiffs who bring baseless claims to court. “The next person who tries to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going to counter-sue,” she declared.
February 2018 Beverly Hills Incident Sparked Seven-Year Legal Battle
The confrontation occurred at a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office in February 2018 during Cardi’s pregnancy. She was four months pregnant with her first child but hadn’t publicly announced the news yet. The medical office had closed to other patients to protect Cardi’s privacy during her appointment.
Ellis, working as building security, followed Cardi to her fifth-floor appointment despite instructions otherwise. Cardi testified that she heard Ellis saying her name into a phone and believed she was being recorded. The situation escalated when Ellis allegedly continued following the rapper despite being asked to stop.
“We’re like chest to chest practically, I keep telling her, ‘You need to back up,'” Cardi testified about their confrontation. She admitted to arguing with Ellis but denied any physical contact occurred during the heated exchange. Cardi expressed concern that Ellis might reveal her pregnancy to the public.
Security Guard Claims Assault Left Permanent Facial Scarring
Ellis testified that the incident left her humiliated, traumatized, and physically injured from the alleged assault. She claimed Cardi cut her face with a fingernail and spat on her during their argument. The security guard said she required cosmetic surgery to address facial scarring from the incident.
Furthermore, Ellis lost her job following the confrontation and sought extensive damages through the lawsuit. She requested compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, physical pain, and lost wages from the incident. The lawsuit also included punitive damages, though Ellis didn’t specify the total amount initially.
During testimony, Cardi revealed that Ellis was seeking $24 million in total damages from the alleged assault. A receptionist who witnessed the altercation supported Cardi’s version of events during her court testimony. The witness’s account largely contradicted Ellis’s claims about what actually happened that day.
Cardi B Warns Against Future Frivolous Lawsuits After Victory
Following her legal victory, Cardi issued strong warnings about future litigation attempts against her career. She emphasized that she works hard for her money and won’t settle baseless claims. The rapper stressed her willingness to fight frivolous lawsuits rather than paying settlements to accusers.
“You don’t work for your money to give out your money,” Cardi explained to reporters after the verdict. She clarified that she’s not the type of celebrity who will settle cases easily. Her reputation might suggest otherwise, but she insisted on fighting when she knows she’s innocent.
Additionally, Cardi urged her fans not to harass Ellis or her family on social media platforms. She expressed hope that both parties could move forward and leave the case behind them. The rapper demonstrated maturity by discouraging online harassment despite her legal victory over the security guard.
Ellis Plans Appeal Despite Unanimous Jury Verdict Against Her
Despite the overwhelming jury decision, Ellis and her attorney announced plans to appeal the court ruling. Her lawyer, Ron Rosen Janfaza, stated they believe the verdict doesn’t reflect the truth of what happened. They plan to challenge the decision through higher courts in the coming months.
“I don’t think that it reflects the truth, but I’m not disappointed,” Ellis said outside the courthouse. She maintained her position about the incident while acknowledging the flawed nature of the justice system. Ellis expressed satisfaction that she had her day in court despite the unfavorable outcome.
The security guard emphasized accountability as her primary motivation for pursuing the lengthy legal battle. She stated that having Cardi look her in the eye during testimony was important regardless of the verdict. Ellis believes she fought a good fight even though the jury sided with the rapper.
Courtroom Drama and Media Attention Surrounded High-Profile Trial
The trial generated significant media attention and viral moments throughout the five-day proceedings in California. Cardi’s testimony was livestreamed, allowing millions to watch the dramatic courtroom exchanges firsthand. Her two days of testimony became widely viewed content across social media platforms.
During a lunch break before the verdict, Cardi had another viral moment with the media present. A reporter shouted inappropriate questions about her personal life and potential pregnancy with estranged husband Offset. The rapper responded by throwing a pen at the disrespectful journalist outside the courthouse.
“Stop disrespecting me!” Cardi shouted after throwing the pen at the intrusive reporter asking about paternity issues. The incident highlighted the intense media scrutiny surrounding the trial and Cardi’s personal life. Her reaction demonstrated frustration with invasive questioning during an already stressful legal situation.
