Cardi B Wins Court Case Against Security Guard Lawsuit

Los Angeles, September 3, 2025 – American rapper Cardi B has achieved a decisive legal victory in a high-profile court case against a former security guard who accused her of assault. The case, which revolved around a 2018 incident outside a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office, concluded with the jury unanimously siding with the 32-year-old Grammy-winning artist.

Background of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit, filed by Emani Ellis, sought $24 million in damages. Ellis, who had been working as a security guard at the time, claimed that Cardi B physically attacked her, scratched her face, spat on her, and shouted racial slurs during a confrontation. The incident took place in 2018, when Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, was pregnant with her first child alongside her husband, rapper Offset.

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The case immediately drew attention due to Cardi B's global fame and her reputation for being outspoken. Known for her chart-topping hits like Taki Taki and I Like It, Cardi B has always maintained a strong public presence, and her legal battles tend to attract significant media coverage.

Court Proceedings

The trial took place at the Los Angeles Superior Court, where a 12-member jury was tasked with examining the claims made by Ellis. The jury deliberated for less than an hour before reaching a unanimous verdict in favor of Cardi B.

Ellis argued that Cardi B had been aggressive and physically assaulted her outside the medical building. She alleged that Cardi B scratched her with her fingernails, spat on her, and made racial slurs. However, the jury found that Ellis did not provide sufficient evidence to prove these allegations. Both Cardi B and Ellis are part of the Black community, which made the racial slur claim particularly sensitive in the court’s evaluation.

Cardi B’s Defense

During the trial, Cardi B took the stand in her own defense. She described the incident as a “verbal altercation” rather than a physical assault. According to Cardi B, Ellis was the aggressor. The rapper explained that the confrontation began when Ellis, in her capacity as a uniformed security officer, began following Cardi B and attempting to record her on a cellphone. At that time, Cardi B had not publicly announced her pregnancy, and she felt that her privacy was being violated.

Cardi B recounted that the situation escalated as Ellis demanded she leave the medical building, accusing the singer of causing a disturbance. Cardi B admitted to using strong language during the exchange but insisted that no physical contact occurred. She denied spitting on Ellis or making any racial remarks.

Public and Media Attention

The trial attracted widespread attention, partly because of Cardi B’s larger-than-life public image and her dramatic courtroom appearances. Video clips from Court TV showing Cardi B in different wigs and hairstyles went viral on social media, reinforcing her status as a cultural icon and making the trial a topic of global discussion.

Outside the courtroom, Cardi B spoke candidly to reporters about her experience. She emphasized that she intends to take a stronger stance against baseless legal claims in the future. “The next person to try to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going countersue, and you’re going to pay,” she said. “I’m not that celeb that you’re going to sue and I’m going to settle… I work hard for my money.”

Reaction from Emani Ellis

After the verdict, Ellis addressed the media separately. She expressed that she was “not at all” sorry for filing the lawsuit and valued the opportunity to present her side in court. “I don’t want it to be overlooked. I don’t want it to be something that’s brushed under the rug,” Ellis said. She maintained that the incident had been real and significant to her personally.

Significance of the Verdict

The verdict represents a major win for Cardi B, who has faced several legal challenges throughout her career. It underscores the difficulty of proving claims of physical assault without clear evidence, particularly when both parties are part of the same community.

For the public, the trial highlighted issues around privacy, celebrity culture, and the way high-profile figures are treated in legal situations. Cardi B’s insistence that she was being followed and filmed without consent struck a chord with many who are concerned about personal privacy, especially for public figures.

Cardi B’s victory in this court case reinforces her position not just as a music icon, but also as someone willing to defend herself vigorously against legal accusations. While the case involved heated exchanges and allegations, the court ultimately found that the evidence did not support the claims made by Ellis.

The trial also brought attention to the broader conversation about privacy rights, the treatment of celebrities in public spaces, and the responsibilities of security personnel. Cardi B’s public statements after the verdict suggest that she is prepared to take legal action against any future frivolous claims, sending a clear message about protecting her reputation and her personal rights.

In summary, Cardi B emerged from this legal battle with her name cleared, reinforcing her ability to navigate both her public persona and her private life in the face of intense scrutiny. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of evidence in legal disputes and the challenges faced by celebrities who live under constant public attention.