Jury Clears Cardi B of Assault Allegations in Civil Trial; Plaintiff Plans Appeal

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 3, 2025 - A Los Angeles County jury on Tuesday unanimously found that rapper Cardi B was not liable for assault, battery, negligence or intentional infliction of emotional distress in a civil lawsuit filed by former security guard Emani Ellis stemming from a 2018 encounter at a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office.

The 12-member panel deliberated for less than one hour before delivering the verdict, concluding that Ellis had failed to prove that Cardi B physically harmed her during the confrontation. Cardi B, whose legal name is Belcalis Almanzar, was four months pregnant at the time of the alleged incident and has consistently denied ever “laying hands” on the plaintiff. Upon hearing the verdict, she made the sign of the cross and later declared outside the courtroom, “I did not touch that woman. I did not lay my hands on that girl”.

Ellis had sought $24 million in damages, claiming that Cardi B’s long fingernails scratched her face and that the rapper spat on her, causing emotional trauma and necessitating cosmetic surgery. Cardi B’s defense team argued that Ellis invaded the star’s privacy by following and recording her en route to her appointment, leading to a heated verbal exchange but no physical contact. Testimony from Cardi B’s obstetrician and receptionist corroborated that no assault occurred.

Despite the decisive ruling, Ellis’s attorney, Ron Rosen Janfaza, announced plans to appeal, asserting that his client would continue to seek accountability and compensation for her alleged injuries and lost wages.

Cardi B, who is promoting a new album, thanked her legal team, the jurors and her supporters for standing by her throughout the widely watched trial, which drew viral attention to her candid courtroom testimony and ever-changing hairstyles.