Cardi B has been cleared of assault and battery claims brought against her by a former security guard.
In 2020, Emani Ellis filed a civil lawsuit against the I Like It rapper over an alleged incident that occurred in February 2018. She demanded $24 million (£18 million) in damages.
During the trial in Alhambra, California, Ellis testified that Cardi B — real name Belcalis Almánzar — had cut her cheek with her long nails, spat on her, and left her traumatized during an encounter outside a Beverly Hills doctor’s office.
However, when Cardi B took the stand, she maintained that she never touched Ellis, describing the clash as a “verbal altercation.”
On Tuesday, the jury ruled in Cardi B’s favor, finding her not liable and concluding that Ellis failed to prove any of her claims. As a result, the rapper will not be required to pay damages.
Speaking outside the courthouse, Cardi shared her relief and warned against future frivolous lawsuits.
“I did not touch that woman. With that being said, this time around, I’m gonna be nice. The next time someone tries to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going to countersue. I’m going to make you pay, because this is not OK,” she said.
“I think people have this misinterpretation of celebrities, that like, ‘Oh well, we can ask for this and they’re going to settle.’ You don’t work at home, and you don’t work all day, and you don’t work for your money to give out your money. So don’t ever think I’m just gonna give you my money that I work hard for. I don’t lay in bed all day. I work all day, and I work hard for my money for my kids and for people I take care of.”
Lawyers representing Ellis have not yet commented on the verdict.
