A Los Angeles jury has exonerated American rapper, Cardi B, of assault charges in a $24 million civil suit filed by a security guard who accused her of violence during an encounter outside a medical facility in 2018.
The suit, brought by Emani Ellis, alleged that the Grammy-winning artiste scratched her cheek with a three-inch fingernail and spat on her during the altercation at an obstetrician’s office. At the time, Cardi B was four months pregnant with her first child — a fact not publicly disclosed then, prompting the medical office to shut its doors for the day to safeguard her privacy.
During the week-long trial in Alhambra, Ellis testified that the incident left her “traumatised.” However, after barely an hour of deliberation, the jury absolved Cardi B of all claims, including assault, battery, negligence, false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Taking the witness stand, the rapper, born Belcalis Almanzar, vehemently denied the allegations. She recounted how Ellis allegedly followed and filmed her despite repeated pleas for privacy.
Relieved by the verdict, Cardi B addressed reporters outside the courthouse, declaring:
“I work all day and I work hard for my money, for my kids, for the people that I take care of. Don’t ever think you can sue me and I will just settle.”
She also appealed to her fans to respect Ellis’ privacy now that the case had been concluded.
Yet, the court victory was not without controversy. Shortly after the verdict, Cardi B — visibly pregnant — found herself in another confrontation when a male reporter pressed her with what she described as “disrespectful” questions about her family.
The reporter asked if she foresaw any “paternity issues” with her partner, Offset, in relation to her fourth pregnancy. Visibly incensed, Cardi B hurled a pen in his direction and retorted:
“Stop disrespecting me. Don’t disrespect 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 fiery exchange sparked mixed reactions online, with admirers hailing her for confronting sexism, while critics faulted her for resorting to an act of aggression so soon after her courtroom acquittal.
