Jury Clears Cardi B of Assault in $24 Million Security Guard Suit

A Los Angeles jury has unanimously cleared Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B (Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar) of all civil claims brought by a former security guard. The lawsuit, valued at $24 million, stemmed from a February 2018 incident outside a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office, during Cardi B’s first pregnancy at a time when the pregnancy was not yet public knowledge.

The security guard, Emani Ellis, alleged that Cardi B physically assaulted her, scratching her face with a three-inch acrylic fingernail, spitting on her, and shouting racial slurs during a confrontation in the hallway. Ellis claimed the altercation left her with a facial scar requiring cosmetic surgery and cost her her job.

Cardi B vehemently denied any physical contact. She testified that the dispute arose because Ellis followed her and attempted to record her without consent, prompting a verbal argument but no physical altercation. Witnesses, including the doctor she was visiting and a receptionist, supported her account, indicating no physical struggle occurred.

After less than an hour of deliberation, the 12-member jury returned a verdict in Cardi B’s favour. She expressed relief outside the courtroom, reiterating her innocence and warning against future frivolous lawsuits. She also asked fans not to harass Ellis or her family online.
Emani Ellis stated she plans to appeal the verdict, aiming for accountability despite the outcome.

Sources: Reuters, The Guardian, Washington Post