A Los Angeles jury has absolved rapper Cardi B of all liability in a $24 million civil lawsuit brought by a security guard who accused her of assault during a 2018 incident outside a doctor’s office.
The case, filed by Emani Ellis, alleged that Cardi B struck her with a 3-inch fingernail and spat on her, leaving a cut on her cheek. At the time, Cardi B was four months pregnant with her first child, a fact that prompted the medical office to close for the day to protect her privacy.
Testifying in court last week, the rapper denied the claims and gave vivid details of the encounter, saying Ellis had followed her, filmed her, and refused to respect her personal space.
After just about an hour of deliberation, the jury cleared Cardi B of assault, battery, negligence, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Following the verdict, she addressed reporters outside the court:
“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.”
She also urged fans to respect Ellis’s privacy now that the case had concluded.
However, the rapper made headlines again when she clashed with a reporter who asked probing questions about her personal life. The reporter asked,
“Cardi, insiders are claiming that Offset is publicly bragging about getting you pregnant for the 4th time. Do you foresee any paternity issues with Stefa and Big?”
Cardi B, visibly pregnant, reacted by throwing a pen and replying:
“Stop disrespecting me. Don’t disrespect me.”
She continued, “Do you see women asking those types of questions to me? Why do you feel, as a man, that you get to ask me those kinds of questions? Act like you have some manners. And your mama taught you to respect women.”
The exchange drew mixed reactions — with some praising her refusal to tolerate disrespect, while others expressed concern over her physical response so soon after being acquitted.
Despite the controversy, Cardi B’s courtroom victory and her fiery confrontation underscored her determination to defend both her reputation and her dignity.
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