American rapper Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar professionally known as Cardi B has been cleared in a $24 million civil assault trial brought by her former security guard, Emani Ellis.
The jury ruled in Cardi’s favor, dismissing Ellis’s claims of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The alleged incident occurred in 2018 outside a Beverly Hills medical office where Cardi B was having an obstetrics appointment. She was four months pregnant at the time and hadn’t publicly disclosed the news.
Ellis claimed Cardi B shouted racial slurs, spat, and scratched her face during a confrontation.
Cardi B denied the allegations, stating she only had a verbal dispute with Ellis after the security guard filmed her and revealed her pregnancy to someone on the phone.
The jury took about an hour to clear Cardi B of all allegations. After the verdict, Cardi B said, “I did not touch that woman,” and warned that she would counter-sue any future “frivolous lawsuits”. Cardi B expressed relief at the verdict and thanked her fans for their support.
The trial featured testimony from Cardi B’s doctor and his receptionist, Tierra Malcolm, who corroborated Cardi B’s account and stated that Ellis was the aggressor. Malcolm even got hit on the head while trying to break up the argument.
The jury’s decision brings an end to the long-standing civil case, and Cardi B has expressed her resolve against future legal challenges Speaking to reporters following the ruling, Cardi B said: “I work all day and I work hard for my money, for my kids, for the people that I take care of.
So don’t you ever think that you’re going to sue me, and I’m just going to settle.”
