THE ASSAULT CLAIM A JURY REJECTED

In February 2018, Cardi B visited an obstetrician's office in Beverly Hills. She was pregnant with her first child, but the pregnancy had not yet been announced publicly.

An argument took place in the hallway between Cardi B and Emani Ellis, a security guard working inside the building. Ellis later alleged that the rapper scratched her face with a fingernail, spat on her and used insulting language. She said the incident caused physical injuries, emotional distress and damage to her career.

Cardi B accepted that the two women had argued. She denied touching Ellis.

She said Ellis had followed and attempted to record her as she entered the medical office, creating a risk that her pregnancy would become public. According to Cardi B, the confrontation was loud and hostile but never physical.

Ellis filed a civil lawsuit in 2020. By the time the case reached trial in August 2025, the underlying encounter was more than seven years old. The damages sought were reported at $24 million.

The trial was livestreamed. Clips of Cardi B's answers, expressions and changing hairstyles circulated widely online. The proceedings became entertainment before the jury had reached its decision.

Behind the viral moments was a direct factual dispute. Ellis said she had been attacked. Cardi B said she had not touched her. Witnesses from the medical office largely supported Cardi B's account that the confrontation had remained verbal.

On 2 September 2025, the jury delivered its verdict after deliberating for less than an hour.

All twelve jurors found Cardi B not liable. They rejected the claims of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and false imprisonment.

This was a civil case, not a criminal prosecution. The question was liability rather than criminal guilt. But the outcome was unequivocal: the jury rejected every claim brought against her.

Outside court, Cardi B again denied ever touching Ellis. She also asked her supporters not to harass Ellis or her family.

Seven years separated the argument from the verdict. The trial produced memes, clips and commentary seen by millions. Beneath the spectacle was a simple outcome that travelled less dramatically: the jury unanimously found that the assault claim had not been proved.

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