Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar Cephus, has been acquitted of all assault allegations in a \$24 million civil lawsuit after a Los Angeles jury delivered its verdict on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
The lawsuit was filed by former security guard, Emani Ellis, who claimed the rapper assaulted her in 2018 outside a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office, alleging that Cardi B pregnant at the time scratched her face, spat on her, and used racial slurs.
Cardi B, however, strongly denied the claims while testifying last week, clarifying that the encounter was only verbal and stemmed from her anger at being filmed without consent during a private medical visit.
Her defense was supported by testimonies from witnesses, including a doctor and receptionist at the clinic, both of whom told the jury they saw no physical assault.
After less than an hour of deliberations, the jury unanimously ruled in Cardi B’s favor, clearing her of all liability.
Speaking outside the courthouse, the rapper expressed relief and firmly rejected the accusations:
“Even if I’m on my deathbed, I will say it never happened. I will never admit to something I did not do,” she told reporters.