A Los Angeles jury has cleared Cardi B of all allegations in a long-running civil lawsuit brought by former security guard Emani Ellis.
The case, which sought $24 million in damages, stemmed from a 2018 incident at a Beverly Hills OB-GYN office. Ellis accused the rapper of scratching her face, spitting on her, and causing emotional distress. Cardi B—whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar—denied ever laying a hand on Ellis, saying the heated exchange happened while she was pregnant and trying to protect her privacy.
On September 2, 2025, after less than an hour of deliberation, the jury unanimously sided with Cardi B, ruling she was not liable for assault, battery, or infliction of emotional distress.
Following the verdict, Cardi B expressed relief, declaring: “I did not touch that woman.” She also hinted at the possibility of countersuing, calling the case a “frivolous” attempt to cash in.
Ellis’s attorney has indicated plans to appeal the ruling, but for now, Cardi B walks away with a major legal victory.
