Cardi B can breathe a sigh of relief. The Grammy-winning rapper was cleared of all blame in a civil lawsuit this past Tuesday, September 2. The case stemmed from a 2020 filing by security guard Emani Ellis, who claimed Cardi had assaulted her two years earlier.
Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, known to the world as Cardi B, was found not responsible for assault or battery charges. The civil jury’s decision closed a chapter in a legal battle that has been ongoing for years.
“I want to thank my lawyers,” the 32-year-old artist shared during a press conference right after the verdict, as reported by TMZ. She also thanked her loyal fans and the jury members, along with “everyone at home for supporting me.” Stepping out of the courthouse, Cardi B stood firm on her innocence, stating clearly, “I did not touch that woman.”
The “WAP” hitmaker then sent a stern warning to anyone considering similar legal action against her in the future. “I’m going to be nice this time,” Cardi B declared. “The next person who tries to file a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going to countersue and make them pay.”
Ellis first sued Cardi in 2020. She alleged that the rapper attacked her outside a doctor’s office in Beverly Hills back in 2018. At the time of the alleged incident, Cardi was four months pregnant with her first child. Ellis claimed Cardi used a nail to cut her face, hurled racist insults, and even spit in her face. (Cardi B now has two daughters, Kulture, born in 2018, and Blossom, born in 2024. She also has a son, Wave, born in 2021, with her ex-husband Offset.)
In her lawsuit, Ellis accused Cardi of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and false imprisonment. She also stated that Cardi B “used her fame” to get Ellis fired from her job. However, the “Drip” singer consistently denied any physical assault, maintaining that their interaction was only a verbal argument.
Last month, Cardi B testified during the trial. She stated that Ellis was actually the one who started the confrontation. The artist claimed Ellis followed her through the hallways of the medical office and then tried to record her. Cardi testified on August 26 that they were “chest-to-chest,” and she remembered yelling, “B*tch, get out of my face.” While admitting to shouting at the security guard, Cardi B firmly denied that their exchange ever turned physical.