Cardi B Cleared of $24 Million Assault Lawsuit by Los Angeles Jury

Cardi B

A Los Angeles jury has cleared Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B of assault accusations brought by security guard Emani Ellis, who originally sought $24 million in damages over an alleged 2018 altercation.

Speaking outside the courthouse after the verdict, Cardi described the case as “really tough” to manage during the rollout of her upcoming album. She also revealed that the trial caused her to miss her children’s first day of school. “The next person to try to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going to counter sue and I’m going to make you pay, because this is not okay,” Cardi said. “People have this misinterpretation of celebrities, like, ‘Oh, well, we can ask for this, and they’re going to settle…’ Don’t you ever think that you’re going to sue me and I’m just going to settle and just give you my money. It’s not going to happen.”

Cardi B Describes The Build Of The Security Guard

Ellis alleged that Cardi cut her face with a fingernail outside an obstetrician’s office in 2018, where the rapper, then pregnant, claimed Ellis had followed and filmed her without consent. Cardi insisted the confrontation was a heated “verbal debate” that never became physical.

In her original complaint, Ellis accused Cardi of assaulting her, spitting on her, and using racial slurs, claiming the incident led to her firing. By the time the trial began, Ellis’ legal team had dropped the claims related to her job loss and the $24 million demand, instead seeking $250,000 and coverage of medical expenses.

During testimony, Ellis said she only called out Cardi’s name and was not filming her. She described the encounter as traumatizing, claiming Cardi put her finger in her face. Cardi countered that Ellis invaded her privacy and refused to back away, recalling that she warned Ellis to “get out of my face” but did not make physical contact.

Cardi B Arrives to Court for Closing Arguments

The case drew national attention not only for the serious allegations but also for Cardi’s courtroom presence, which sparked viral memes due to her fiery one-liners and bold fashion choices.

With the lawsuit behind her, Cardi is preparing for the release of her highly anticipated sophomore album, Am I the Drama?, scheduled to drop on September 19.