A California jury found in Cardi B’s favor, ruling that she was not liable for a civil assault suit filed over a 2018 encounter.
Former security guard Emani Ellis had filed the suit against the Grammy-winning rapper, claiming that Cardi had assaulted her after an encounter in the hallway of a medical office.
Ellis alleged that Cardi B inflicted a scratch on her face during the encounter and requested punitive damages as well as medical costs. But following evidence from both parties, jurors favored the artist, issuing a verdict that seemed to bring visible relief to Cardi B.
The rapper, pregnant at the time of the supposed incident and going to an appointment with her doctor, has long denied the accusations. In remarks after leaving court, she called the lawsuit “frivolous” and thanked her lawyers, jurors, and fans.
“I’m not even joking, even if I’m dying on my death bed, I promise to God I will tell you on my deathbed, I did not touch that girl. I did not touch that woman. I didn’t place my hands on that girl,” Cardi B maintained after the verdict.
Throughout the two-day trial testimony last week, Cardi B juggled court appearances with her hectic work schedule, divulging that she was preparing for her next album rollout as well. She revealed that she had been rising at 5:30 a.m. to be camera-ready for trial, even cracking jokes about how her forehead was “raw” from constant wig realignments.
Her trial, broadcast live on Court TV, attracted a lot of attention on social media. Footage of her testimony, style, and unguarded comments went viral and generated a huge following, fueling renewed public interest in a seven-year saga.
Notwithstanding the verdict, Ellis and her attorneys have indicated they will appeal. Ellis also decried the rapper’s conduct in court as “unprofessional” and cited her body language and facial expressions as disrespectful of the proceeding.
For Cardi B, the verdict brings an end to a long legal saga. “I hope that this is something I leave behind,” she said to reporters. The rapper now seems poised to turn attention back toward her family and music career, saying she had even missed her children’s first day of school because of the trial.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
