A Los Angeles jury unanimously found rapper Cardi B not liable in a $24 million civil lawsuit on Wednesday, delivering a swift verdict after less than an hour of deliberation.
The lawsuit was brought by former security guard Emani Ellis, who alleged Cardi B assaulted her in February 2018 outside a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office, causing facial injury and spitting on her. The jury concluded Ellis failed to prove claims of assault, battery, emotional distress, or negligence.
Cardi B, whose legal name is Belcalis Almanzár, maintained throughout the trial that Ellis had invaded her privacy by filming her without consent during a confidential OB-GYN visit, at a time when her pregnancy was not yet public.
Following the verdict, the 32-year-old rapper thanked her legal team, the jury, the presiding judge, the press, and her supporters. She pointed to the emotional toll of the proceedings, noting that the case had caused her to miss important moments with her children.
Speaking to reporters, Cardi B reiterated her innocence, declaring, “I did not touch that woman.” She warned that she would countersue anyone who files a “frivolous lawsuit” against her in the future, emphasizing that celebrities are not “easy targets” and highlighting the hard work she puts into earning her money.
She also appealed to her fans to refrain from harassing the plaintiff or her family online, urging everyone to move on from the episode.
Throughout the trial, Cardi B’s energetic courtroom presence drew attention. Reporters noted a range of fashion statements, including a $10,000 Valentino polka-dot pantsuit comprising a $4,800 jacket, $2,300 trousers, and a $2,700 silk blouse. Following the conclusion of the trial, she celebrated with a TikTok video dancing sans pants and previewed a new song titled “Bodega Baddie.”
She also remarked to the press that her “forehead is raw” from changing wigs frequently during the trial, injecting lighthearted humor into the emotionally charged proceedings.
The case began in 2020, several years after the alleged 2018 incident. It garnered national attention during the weeklong trial, thanks in part to Cardi B’s animated delivery during testimony and viral courtroom moments.
Cardi B’s legal victory arrives amid other legal challenges, including a pending lawsuit over an alleged microphone-tossing incident at a 2023 concert.
