California jury clears pop star Cardi B of assault allegations in lawsuit

 

Cardi B scored a decisive legal win on Tuesday after a California jury rejected a $24 million assault lawsuit brought against her by a former security guard. The Los Angeles Superior Court jury, made up of 12 members, deliberated for less than an hour before unanimously ruling in favor of the Grammy-winning rapper. The lawsuit was filed by Emani Ellis, who claimed that Cardi B physically attacked her, scratched her face, spat on her, and used racial slurs outside a Beverly Hills medical office in 2018, while the artist was pregnant with her first child. Ellis testified that she confronted Cardi B because the rapper was “causing a disturbance” at the doctor’s office.

However, Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, denied making physical contact and told the jury that Ellis had been the aggressor. She said the security guard was invading her privacy by following her and attempting to record her on video before she had publicly revealed her pregnancy. While Cardi admitted she cursed during the heated argument, she firmly denied spitting or using offensive language. The verdict puts an end to the high-profile trial, which drew attention across social media.

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Following her courtroom victory, Cardi B made it clear she intends to push back hard against any future legal challenges she sees as baseless. Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, the 32-year-old star said she would not tolerate “frivolous lawsuits,” warning that anyone attempting such actions in the future would face countersuits. “I’m not that celeb that you’re going to sue and I’m going to settle. I work hard for my money,” Cardi said firmly, underlining her determination to defend her reputation and finances.

The case had drawn significant public interest, with clips of Cardi’s changing hairstyles during court appearances going viral on social media. Ellis, the security guard who filed the lawsuit, insisted afterward that she had no regrets about taking the matter to trial. She said she was grateful for the opportunity to tell her side of the story and maintained her claims, even after the jury’s decision. For Cardi B, the case is another high-profile legal battle added to her headline-making career.

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Known for chart-topping hits and a bold public persona, she has now made it clear that she won’t shy away from fighting back in court to protect herself from what she views as false accusations.