Cardi B Triumphs in Los Angeles Court: Jury Clears Rapper of Assaulting Security Guard in Dramatic Civil Trial

On a sunny Tuesday outside the Alhambra courthouse, Cardi B emerged victorious and defiant, flashing her signature confidence for the cameras. After a whirlwind civil trial filled with viral moments and heated exchanges, the Grammy-winning rapper was cleared of all allegations of assaulting a security guard—ending a legal saga that had threatened both her reputation and her wallet.

The Incident: A Private Pregnancy, Public Drama

The story began in 2018, when Cardi B—whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar—was four months pregnant with her first child. To protect her privacy, the obstetrician’s office had closed its doors to other patients that day. But inside, tensions erupted.

Emani Ellis, a security guard working in the building, claimed that Cardi B scratched her cheek with a three-inch acrylic nail and spat on her during a confrontation outside the office. Ellis testified that the altercation left her scarred—both physically and emotionally—requiring cosmetic surgery and costing her the job she held.

The rapper, however, told a very different story. She insisted that while the argument was fiery, it never became physical. “She couldn’t get a scratch from me because I didn’t touch her,” Cardi B declared on the stand. At one point, the two women were chest-to-chest, shouting and swearing, but according to Cardi B, “She didn’t touch me, I didn’t touch her. It was just a verbal fight.”

Viral Testimony and Courtroom Humor

Cardi B’s testimony was as colorful as her rhinestone-studded nails, leading to several viral moments online. When asked if she called Ellis “fat,” Cardi B retorted, “No. I was calling her a bitch.” The court burst into laughter when Ellis’s attorney questioned whether Cardi B was physically able to scratch someone while pregnant. “At that moment, when you’re pregnant, I’m very disabled. Do you want me to tell you things I can’t do?” Cardi B joked, drawing more laughter from the gallery.

The rapper explained her anger stemmed from the fear that Ellis was filming her and might expose her pregnancy before she was ready to go public. “Yes, I was angry! Because I’m pregnant! And this girl’s about to fucking beat my ass!” Cardi B exclaimed.

Witnesses Support Cardi B’s Account

Crucially, both Dr. David Finke—the obstetrician Cardi B was visiting—and Tierra Malcolm, the office receptionist who intervened during the argument, testified in support of Cardi B. Neither witness saw any physical altercation, only a heated exchange of words.

When Malcolm hesitated to describe the language used during the argument, Judge Ian C Fusselman reassured her, “We’ve heard just about everything so far, so it’s OK,” prompting more laughter in the courtroom.

The Verdict: Quick and Decisive

After less than an hour of deliberation, the jury cleared Cardi B of all charges: assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and false imprisonment. Ellis had sought damages for medical expenses, emotional and physical suffering, lost wages, and punitive damages. Cardi B claimed on the stand that the lawsuit was for $24 million, but ultimately, the jury decided Ellis would receive nothing.

Outside the courthouse, Cardi B thanked her lawyers, the media, and her fans, reiterating her innocence. “Let’s just put this behind,” she said. “But I’m giving a warning: I am not that celeb you gonna sue and you think is going to settle. Especially when I am super, completely innocent. I know I’ve got a little reputation but I swear to god I am innocent,” she added, to laughter from the press.

A Win for Privacy, Strength, and Authenticity

Cardi B’s courtroom victory is more than just a legal win—it’s a powerful statement about defending one’s truth and privacy in the face of public scrutiny and opportunistic lawsuits. As she walked away from the courthouse, the world saw not just a superstar, but a woman unafraid to stand her ground, even when the stakes are high.

 Will this case inspire new lyrics in Cardi B’s next album? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Cardi B isn’t backing down from anyone.