Grammy-winning rapper Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar Cephus, popularly known as Cardi B, has been cleared of all assault allegations in a high-profile $24 million civil lawsuit.
A Los Angeles jury delivered the verdict on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, ending a legal battle that had stretched on for years.
The case was brought against the Bronx-born rapper by Emani Ellis, a former security guard in Beverly Hills. Ellis alleged that Cardi B physically assaulted her during an altercation in 2018, when the rapper was pregnant and attending a medical appointment.
Ellis claimed that Cardi B scratched her face with her fingernails, spat on her, and used racial slurs outside the obstetrician’s office where Ellis worked as a guard. She further demanded millions in damages for alleged emotional distress, humiliation, and physical injury.
Cardi B, however, strongly denied the accusations throughout the trial. Taking the stand last week, she testified that no physical attack ever occurred. Instead, she explained that the confrontation was verbal and stemmed from her anger at being filmed without her consent during a sensitive medical visit.
“I was frustrated, yes, but I never touched her,” Cardi B told the court. “I was a pregnant woman at a doctor’s office. All I wanted was privacy.”
Her defence team argued that Ellis exaggerated the encounter in an attempt to extract money from the rapper. Cardi B’s lawyers pointed out that no medical reports or photographs supported claims of scratches or bruises. They also emphasised that the lawsuit was filed months after the alleged incident, raising questions about credibility.
The rapper’s account was backed up by key witnesses. A clinic receptionist and the attending doctor both testified that they saw no physical assault. They recalled an argument but confirmed that it never turned violent.
After hearing closing arguments, the jury deliberated for less than an hour. Their decision was unanimous: Cardi B was not liable for the alleged actions.
The ruling sparked immediate reactions both inside and outside the courthouse. Cardi B, known for her chart-topping hits and outspoken personality, expressed relief and frustration over what she described as years of stress caused by false accusations.
“Even if I’m on my deathbed, I will say it never happened,” she told reporters. “I will never admit to something I did not do.”
Her legal victory quickly spread across social media, with fans flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with congratulatory messages. Supporters praised the jury’s decision and commended the rapper for standing firm in her defence.
Legal analysts noted that the speed of the jury’s verdict signalled that the evidence in Ellis’s case was weak. “The fact that jurors returned in under an hour shows they found the plaintiff’s story unconvincing,” one Los Angeles-based attorney explained.
The case highlights the pressures celebrities face when confronted with public and legal scrutiny, especially regarding incidents that occur in private but quickly gain widespread attention.
For Cardi B, who has often spoken about her struggles balancing fame with personal privacy, the ruling represents a major personal and professional relief.
This is not the first time the rapper has faced legal challenges. In 2022, she was ordered to pay damages in a separate defamation case filed by a blogger. However, in this instance, the tables turned, and she emerged victorious.
With the lawsuit behind her, Cardi B is expected to refocus on her music career. Industry insiders say her upcoming album, already one of the year’s most anticipated releases, could gain even more traction following the publicity of the trial.
For Ellis, the outcome marks a disappointing end to her long pursuit of damages. Her legal team has not yet commented on whether she will appeal the ruling.
As Cardi B walked out of the courthouse, she waved to her supporters and reaffirmed her commitment to speaking her truth. “This was never about money for me. It was about my name, my integrity, and standing up for myself,” she said.
With the jury’s verdict, the rapper has once again reminded the world that she is not only a force in music but also a fighter in the courtroom.
