Cardi B Found Not Liable in Civil Assault Trial

Cardi B can claim victory in her civil assault trial involving an alleged 2018 altercation with a security guard. The “Up” rapper won her trial in California after a jury decided Tuesday that plaintiff Emani Ellis didn't prove any of her three claims against Cardi (born Belcalis Almanzar). Those claims were assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. 

After jurors deliberated for about an hour, the verdict was read. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Ian C. Fusselman also referenced the questions he’d allowed them to submit for witnesses. 

“I know that you’ve paid a great deal of attention throughout the matter, which was especially evidenced by the questions that you did submit,” Fusselman said. Ellis claimed Cardi scratched her during a dispute at a medical center in 2018 when Ellis was working security and Cardi was there for a pregnancy check-up. She said she required surgeries because of the scratch.

After court, Cardi thanked her lawyers and warned anyone who plans to file frivolous lawsuits against her that she will countersue.

“I’m going to make you pay, because this is not OK,” she said from the courthouse steps. “You don’t work for your money to give out your money. So don’t ever think that I’m just gonna give you my money that I work hard for…

I don’t lay in bed all day. I work all day, and I work hard for my money, for my kids and for people I take care of. So don’t you ever think that you’re gonna sue me and I’m just gonna settle.”

She also urged her fans to leave Ellis alone.

“Don’t go bother her,” Cardi said. “Don’t be talking about her. Don’t be talking about how she looks. Don’t call her no nasty names. Let’s just put this behind.”

Cardi B’s new album Am I the Drama? is due to drop September 19.