Cardi B cleared of assault charges in $24m lawsuit
A Los Angeles jury has cleared Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B of all charges in a USD24 million civil lawsuit filed by security guard Emani Ellis, who accused her of assault during a 2018 altercation outside an obstetrician’s office.
Ellis alleged that the rapper, who was four months pregnant at the time, cut her cheek with a three-inch fingernail and spat on her. She claimed the incident left her traumatised. Cardi B, however, denied the allegations, insisting she never touched or spat on Ellis.
The case stemmed from a heated verbal confrontation after Ellis allegedly disclosed the rapper’s then-private pregnancy and attempted to record her. Cardi B testified that Ellis refused to give her space and that she feared for her unborn child.
Her account was supported by the doctor she was visiting and receptionist Tierra Malcolm, who testified that Ellis was the aggressor and had swung her arms, injuring Malcolm in the process.
After a week of testimony and viral courtroom moments, including Cardi B’s changing wigs, bold outfits and discussions about her long nails, the jury deliberated for just an hour before rejecting Ellis’s claims of assault, battery, negligence, false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Speaking outside the courthouse, Cardi B said she was relieved by the verdict, vowing not to settle frivolous lawsuits and urging her fans not to harass Ellis or her family.
The case drew widespread attention, with fans gathering outside court.
One supporter held a sign that read: “If the nail don’t fit, u must acquit”, a playful nod to the infamous O.J. Simpson trial.
The verdict closes a seven-year legal battle that played out as much in the courtroom as it did on social media.
