LOS ANGELES — After years of anticipation and a tense few days in court, a Los Angeles jury has rendered a verdict, siding entirely with rapper Cardi B in a high-profile civil lawsuit filed by former security guard Emani Ellis. The verdict is not only a legal victory for the hip-hop star but also a stern warning to those who may seek to capitalize on her fame. The jury, comprised of six men and six women, took only about an hour to reach its decision, dismissing all claims against Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Almánzar.
The case originated from a heated confrontation in 2018 at a doctor’s office in Beverly Hills. At the time, Cardi B was pregnant with her first child, a secret she had not yet made public. According to her testimony, her privacy was threatened when she noticed Emani Ellis, a building security guard, appearing to film her on her phone. The argument that ensued became the centerpiece of the lawsuit. Ellis accused Cardi of scratching her face with her nails, spitting on her, and using vulgar language. Ellis, who subsequently lost her job, claimed the incident left her with a scar on her face and emotional distress, seeking damages of up to $24 million.
In contrast, Cardi B maintained her position throughout. In her testimony, she admitted to a fierce argument, even “chest to chest,” but flatly denied any physical contact. “I’ll say this till I die,” she told reporters outside the courthouse. “I did not touch that woman.” Her testimony became a viral sensation on social media, spawning numerous memes and trending videos. She described Ellis as someone who “looked very tough” but insisted the confrontation remained strictly verbal.
Upon hearing the verdict, Cardi B expressed both relief and a sense of righteous anger. She posed for photos with fans and members of her legal team, but later, she issued a firm statement. “Next time anybody tries to file a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going to sue you back, and I’m going to make you pay,” she said. “I’m not the type of celebrity you sue and think you’re going to get a settlement. I’m not settling, especially when I’m completely innocent.” She also conveyed her frustration at having to miss her children’s first day of school because of the trial.
For Ellis’s part, her lawyer, Ron Rosen Janfaza, said they plan to appeal the jury’s decision. In his closing remarks, Janfaza argued that his client had lost her professional future, including her dreams of working in law enforcement, due to the trauma caused by the incident. However, the jury was not convinced by these arguments, closing a chapter in Cardi B’s legal battles.
The case not only highlights the challenges celebrities face with litigation but also shows the power of standing your ground and refusing to give in to settlement demands. With this verdict, Cardi B has sent a clear message to the world: she will fight for her truth, even if it means showing up in a courtroom.
