Cardi B Found Not Liable in Assault Lawsuit
A California jury has cleared rapper Cardi B of all allegations in a civil lawsuit brought by a former security guard, Emani Ellis. The lawsuit stemmed from a 2018 altercation in which Ellis claimed the rapper cut her cheek with a fingernail and spat on her. Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, was pregnant at the time and attending an appointment with her obstetrician.
During the trial, Cardi B testified that while she and Ellis had a heated verbal argument, she never touched or spat on the security guard. She told the court that Ellis had been following her and filming her on a phone, which led her to fear for her privacy and her unborn baby's safety. The rapper's testimony was corroborated by her doctor’s receptionist, who stated that Ellis was the aggressor during the confrontation. The jury deliberated for about an hour before finding Cardi B not liable for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, or false imprisonment.
Following the verdict, the Grammy-winning artist expressed relief and gratitude for her lawyers and fans. Speaking after the ruling, she 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." Ellis, who was seeking $24 million in damages for her physical and emotional suffering, including a scar on her face, said she plans to appeal the verdict.
