By Esohe Aifuwa
Jury Clears Cardi B in $24M Assault Case
A jury in Los Angeles has dismissed a $24 million civil lawsuit against rapper Cardi B on Tuesday, finding no evidence to support claims that she assaulted a woman named Emani Ellis in 2018.
The verdict followed a lively trial that captured widespread attention due to the star’s vibrant courtroom presence and sharp exchanges with attorneys.
The lawsuit stemmed from an incident outside a Beverly Hills medical office, where Ellis alleged that Cardi B, then four months pregnant with her first child, attacked her. According to court testimony, Ellis approached the rapper, attempting to record her on a phone, which led to a heated confrontation.
Ellis claimed Cardi B used racial slurs, spat at her, and scratched her face with her fingernails. The rapper, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, denied the accusations, stating she never touched Ellis.
Cardi B’s legal team emphasized that the artist, now 32, was focused on protecting her privacy during her pregnancy, avoiding media scrutiny. They described the encounter as an aggressive attempt by Ellis to provoke the star, which escalated into a verbal dispute before medical staff stepped in to defuse the situation.
After the jury rejected Ellis’ claims, Cardi B addressed reporters, firmly denying the allegations. “I swear, I didn’t touch her. I never touched that woman,” she said. While expressing relief, she issued a warning to others considering similar lawsuits. “I won’t settle just to make this go away. If anyone tries this again, I’ll countersue, and you’ll pay.”
The trial, marked by Cardi B’s bold courtroom style, including her eye-catching wigs, drew significant online buzz, with clips of her testimony circulating widely. The verdict closes this chapter for the “Bodak Yellow” artist, who remains focused on her career and family.
