Cardi B cleared of all charges in security guard assault trial

Cardi B has been cleared of assaulting a security guard with a jury in Los Angeles taking less than an hour to reach their verdict, the New York Times reports. The civil trial made headlines last week when Cardi's testimony, which included her labelling the complainant "a bitch," went viral.

Emani Ellis had alleged that, in 2018, the Grammy-winning rapper cut her cheek with her fingernails and spat on her following a disagreement outside an obstetrician’s office. Cardi B took to the stand charged with allegations of assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and false imprisonment.

After the trial concluded on Tuesday Cardi spoke to reporters outside the Alhambra courthouse, thanking her lawyers and fans while once again stating that she never touched Ellis.

“Let’s just put this behind,” she said. “But I’m giving a warning: I am not that celeb you gonna sue and you think is going to settle. Especially when I am super, completely innocent. She added: "I know I’ve got a little reputation but I swear to god I am innocent.”

The jury heard how Cardi, pregnant with her first child at the time, attended a private obstetrician appointment when the alleged incident took place. The appointment had been held in private to protect Cardi's privacy, with news of her pregnancy still a secret at the time.

When she reached the medical facility she encountered Ellis who, according to Cardi's testimony, appeared to be filming her arrival. What followed was described by the rapper as a "verbal fight." Ellis alleged that she was scratched in a physical altercation and was left with an injury that required surgery. She was seeking damages including medical expenses and other costs.

Cardi B spoke outside the courthouse after a Los Angeles County jury cleared her of call claims in a civil assault and battery trial over a 2018 dispute with a medical center security guard.

She urged her fans not to harass the woman who sued her, or her family. Video via @ABC7 pic.twitter.com/sfkAc2k3iN

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) September 3, 2025