In a significant ruling, a jury in Los Angeles has cleared Cardi B of assault charges stemming from a civil lawsuit filed by security guard Emani Ellis. The suit, which claimed $24 million in damages, revolved around an allegation that Cardi B attacked Ellis with her long fingernails and spat on her outside a medical facility in 2018, at a time when Cardi B was pregnant and trying to maintain her privacy.
Throughout the highly publicized trial, Cardi B took the stand and presented her version of the events. She claimed that Ellis had harassed her while she was simply trying to keep her medical appointment private. The rapper's testimony drew considerable media attention, particularly as she frequently changed outfits and highlighted her trademark long nails, a focal point of the case.
After around an hour of deliberation, the jury found Cardi B not liable for the allegations of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and false imprisonment. Outside the courthouse, Cardi expressed gratitude for the verdict, asserting that she works extremely hard for her success and will not settle easily against unfounded claims.
During the trial, Cardi clarified that her altercation with Ellis involved a heated shouting match but firmly denied any physical aggression or spitting. The case included testimonials from witnesses, including the doctor and receptionist from the obstetrics office, who suggested that Ellis was the aggressor in the situation.
In light of the verdict, Cardi B urged her fans to refrain from contacting Ellis or her family, promoting a message of respect following the court's decision.