Cardi B has won her civil assault trial in Los Angeles, ending a seven-year legal dispute that began with allegations from a former security guard. A Los Angeles County jury found the rapper not liable on all counts, rejecting claims that she assaulted Emani Ellis in 2018.
The 2018 Allegation
The case dates back to 2018, when Ellis accused Cardi B of assaulting her in the hallway of a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office. Ellis, then employed as a security guard, alleged that the rapper physically attacked her while pregnant and later filed a lawsuit seeking $24 million in damages.
The complaint included multiple claims: assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and false imprisonment. From the beginning, the case attracted attention due to Cardi B’s fame and the seriousness of the accusations.
Court Proceedings and Testimony
In 2020, Ellis formally filed her suit in Los Angeles Superior Court, setting off years of hearings and delays. The case reached trial in 2025, where both sides presented sharply different narratives.
Cardi B testified about her state of mind during pregnancy, saying she felt vulnerable and prioritized her safety. She denied ever assaulting Ellis. Supporting her account, Tierra Malcolm, Cardi’s receptionist at the time, testified that she did not witness any physical fight between the women.
Ellis, however, maintained that she had been attacked and suffered lasting harm. Despite her claims, the jury appeared unconvinced by her testimony and the evidence presented.
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The 2025 Verdict
On September 2, 2025, the jury unanimously sided with Cardi B. They found that Ellis failed to prove any of her claims, including assault and emotional distress. The verdict means Cardi faces no financial liability and avoids the $24 million payout Ellis had sought.
The ruling capped years of speculation and social media commentary, with viral clips of Cardi’s testimony spreading widely online. For Ellis, it marked the end of a long and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to hold the rapper responsible.
Cardi B was won her civil assault trial in California.
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) September 2, 2025
A Los Angeles County jury declared her not liable on all claims from a former security guard who claimed she assaulted her in 2018. pic.twitter.com/qaFp8MCQhI
Final Thoughts
Chronologically, the case moved from a single 2018 allegation to a lawsuit in 2020, a high-profile trial in 2025, and a complete dismissal of claims. For Cardi B, the unanimous verdict is both a legal and personal victory.
It closes a chapter that mixed celebrity culture, courtroom drama, and social media spectacle, reaffirming that in the end, evidence—not fame—decides the outcome.
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