Rapper Cardi B found not liable for assault, damages in civil case involving former security guard
Share and Follow

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A Los Angeles jury found Cardi B not liable in a civil assault trial. The rapper will not have to pay damages to her former security guard.

Attorneys for Cardi B and her former security guard presented their closing arguments on Tuesday, and the jury came to a quick verdict in the civil trial.

The Grammy award-winning rapper, whose real name is Belcalis Almanzar, was sued by Emani Ellis, a security guard who claims the rapper hit her, scratched her face and spat on her at a Beverly Hills medical office in 2018. Ellis claims the rapper’s long fingernails caused cuts on her face that required plastic surgery.

Cardi says she was pregnant at the time and was keeping it a secret – and that Ellis was recording her.

She claims the security guard recorded her entering the OB-GYN’s office without her consent, and if there was any confrontation, there was no assault, and she didn’t touch the security guard.

The rapper’s testimony of that day went viral online. She was asked on the stand if she had been angry.

“Yes, I was angry!” Because I’m pregnant!” Cardi replied. “And this girl’s about to beat my a**!”

Ellis, who lost her job over the incident, was seeking damages that include medical expenses, compensation for emotional and physical suffering, and lost wages, along with punitive damages. She does not specify a total amount in the lawsuit, but Cardi said from the stand that she is “suing me for $24 million.”

On Tuesday, before the verdict was reached, Ellis’ attorney asked the jury to side with the security guard and award her hundreds of thousands of dollars, while also calling Cardi’s use of profanity disrespectful.

“The defendant came here, used all of this foul language. This is a court of law, you cannot speak this way in court. I have never seen this before. It’s a disrespect to us and a disrespect to the judge, courthouse,” attorney Ron Rosen Janfaza said.

Cardi B’s attorney said the profanity was used to describe what happened that day in February of 2018. They also said there are inconsistencies in Ellis’ testimony about the scar on her cheek and asked the jury to “use common sense” and side with Cardi.

Things got heated outside of the courtroom on Tuesday as Cardi threw a pen at a man who asked a “disrespectful” question about her relationship.

The trial is expected to go to the jury soon. On Tuesday, attorneys were presenting their closing arguments.

Cardi was seen walking out of the Alhambra courthouse during the lunch break, signing albums for fans, when one person asked the following question.

Cardi B threw a pen at the man after he asked the question. “Do you see women asking those type of questions to me?… Act like you have some manners.”

“Cardi, insiders are claiming Offset is publicly bragging about getting you pregnant for the fourth time. Do you foresee any paternity issues with Steffon Diggs?” the man asked.

“Stop disrespecting me,” Cardi said as she tossed a pen handed to her for autographs at the man. ‘Don’t disrespect me.”

“I still love you even though you just threw some stuff at me,” the man shouted.

“I don’t care. You’re disrespectful. Don’t do that. Do you see women asking those type of questions to me?” Cardi replied. “Why do you feel, as a man, you get to ask me those type of questions? Act like you have some manners. Your momma taught you, respect women.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Will There Be A Season 3 of ‘Landman’ on Paramount+?

Landman Season 3: What Fans Can Expect and Latest Updates on Its Paramount+ Future

The curtain has officially fallen on the second season of Paramount+’s runaway…
Texas couple labeled fake ‘Chip and Joanna Gaines’ admits $5M dream home renovation scam

Texas Duo Unmasked: The $5M Dream Home Renovation Scam That Duped Homeowners

A Texas couple has admitted to federal charges after authorities exposed their…
Ten dead and 100 injured after high-speed trains derail in Spain

Tragic Train Derailment in Spain Leaves 10 Dead, 100 Injured

Tragedy struck in Spain as two high-speed trains derailed, resulting in the…
Skokie fire: Family with newborn baby displaced after house fire on North Kostner Avenue in Skokie, Mohammed Fayyaz says

Skokie House Fire Displaces Family with Newborn on North Kostner Avenue, Reports Mohammed Fayyaz

A family with a newborn has been left without a home following…
Family pleads for help nearly 40 years after Jacksonville woman's murder

Jacksonville Family Seeks Answers in 40-Year-Old Cold Case Murder

Nearly four decades after the tragic loss of Melissa Ellison, a Jacksonville…
Curt Cignetti's climb to the top of college football with Indiana wasn't out of nowhere

Curt Cignetti’s Ascent with Indiana: A Calculated Rise in College Football

MIAMI — Before Curt Cignetti became a sensation in college football, before…
A UFO beamed cryptic messages into a US soldier's mind

US Soldier Claims Mind-Altering Encounter with UFO: Deciphering the Mystery of Cryptic Alien Messages

The renowned Rendlesham Forest UFO encounter is once again capturing public interest…
National Popcorn Day: Here’s where moviegoers can find popcorn deals

Celebrate National Popcorn Day with Exclusive Movie Theatre Deals and Discounts

Movie theater giants like AMC, Regal, and Cinemark are gearing up to…