Cardi B Wins Civil Assault Trial Over 2018 Dispute

Cardi B has been found not guilty by a Los Angeles jury during a civil assault trial brought by former security guard Emani Ellis. The verdict was delivered on September 2, 2025.

Ellis first filed the suit originally in 2020, alleging that the rapper assaulted her outside of a Beverly Hills medical office in 2018. The security guard claimed that the musician body shamed her, scratched her face with her fingernails, spit on her, and hurled insults during a confrontation. Cardi denied the allegations but admitted to have had a heated verbal exchange, saying at that time, she was four month pregnant and was trying to keep it a secret. She claimed the security guard Ellis, was recording a video of her then told someone on the phone that she had just seen the musician.

Photo: Instagram

The scandal happened when Cardi stepped off the elevator and crossed path with Ellis on the hallway at Beverly Hills doctor’s office. The jury rejected Ellis’s claims for assault, battery, emotional distress and negligence, which had sought up to $24 million in damages.

Cardi B’s testimony and exchanges with opposing counsel drew a lot of attention online, with several moments from the hearing going viral. Outside court after the verdict, she criticized what she called “frivolous lawsuits,”

Photo: Instagram

“I did not touch that woman. With that being said, this time around, I’m gonna be nice. The next time someone tries to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going to countersue. I’m going to make you pay, because this is not okay.” She said.

Cardi B continued, “I think people have this misinterpretation of celebrities, that like, ‘Oh well, we can ask for this and they’re going to settle.’ You don’t work at home, and you don’t work all day, and you don’t work for your money to give out your money. So don’t ever think I’m just gonna give you my money that I work hard for. I don’t lay in bed all day. I work all day, and I work hard for my money for my kids and for people I take care of.”

Photo: Instagram

After that, the musician pleaded with her fans   to leave Ellis and her family alone on social media, saying she wants to “put this all behind.”After that, a reporter questioned her about persistent pregnancy rumors, linking Offset and NFL star Stefon Diggs. Cardi was visibly frustrated and she threw a pen at the reporter shouting “Respect Women” as she was escorted back to her car. The video quickly went viral.