Cardi B Lawsuit 2025: Jury Rules Rapper Not Liable in Assault Case
September 2, Tuesday: The Los Angeles jury found Bodak Yellow rapper Cardi B not liable in a civil assault trial filed by a security guard, Emani Ellis — this also means Cardi B is not liable to pay damages.
In 2020, Emani Ellis filed a lawsuit against Cardi B (real name Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar), accusing her of assault, battery, thus, causing emotional distress. Ellis alleged that during a 2018 visit to an obstetrician’s office, Cardi B attacked her, scratching her face badly enough to require plastic surgery, and spat on her.
Cardi B vs. Emani Ellis Lawsuit Timeline
This week, a clip of Cardi B responding to a lawyer has gone viral, thanks to her unforgettable facial expressions and candid courtroom delivery. The footage stems from a 2018 incident—but it was only fully resolved this week. The final verdict was delivered on Tuesday, September 2. Below is the updated timeline of the lawsuit.
February 2018
The alleged incident occurred outside the office of a Beverly Hills obstetrician. The WAP rapper was (secretly) pregnant that time. Then she was confronted by a security guard (Ellis). During the trial, the rapper suspected the guard of recording her. Ellis claimed Cardi physically attacked her, scratched her face badly enough to need plastic surgery, spat on her, and used racial slurs.
September 2020
Ellis formally filed a civil lawsuit against the rapper in Los Angeles County, seeking $24 million in damages for assault, battery, and emotional distress.
August 2025
The trial began in Alhambra, California. Testimonies included medical staff and witnesses who stated they did not see Cardi physically attack Ellis. Courtroom reports noted Cardi’s frequent changes of wigs, which drew media attention during the proceedings. People headlined the moment as “Cardi B Confuses Attorney with Wig Swap During Security Guard Assault Trial in Viral Video.”
@lanadivines Cardi b court day 3 is so funny #cardib #emaniellis #cardibvsemani #court #funny ♬ original sound – lanadivines
@metroentertainment Will be adding “they’re wigs” to my daily vocabulary 🤪 In a video by Court TV, Cardi B was hilariously questioned over her changing hairstyles by the plaintiff’s lawyer Ron Rosen. @iamcardib is currently standing trial over accounts of confrontation between her and a former security guard back in 2018. The security guard filed the lawsuit in 2020. #cardib #wigs #court #hiphop #meme ♬ original sound – Metro Entertainment
September 2, 2025
After less than an hour of deliberation, a California jury unanimously cleared Cardi B of liability. She was found “not responsible” for assault or related claims. After the verdict, Cardi expressed relief and hinted she might countersue if faced with similar lawsuits in the future.