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Jury clears Cardi B of assault on security guard in Los Angeles

September 3, 2025

Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B has been cleared by a Los Angeles jury in a $24 million civil case where security guard Emani Ellis accused her of a fingernail assault and spitting incident outside an obstetrician's office in 2018. The jury deliberated for just an hour before rejecting all allegations of assault, battery, emotional distress, negligence, and false imprisonment. The case centered around a heated verbal altercation that occurred when Cardi B, who was four months pregnant but hadn't announced it publicly, believed Ellis was recording her and sharing information about her pregnancy without permission.

Who is affected

  • Emani Ellis (security guard who filed the lawsuit)
  • Cardi B (rapper who was cleared of allegations)
  • Tierra Malcolm (receptionist who was cut during the altercation)
  • Cardi B's unborn child (whose privacy was at stake)
  • Cardi B's fans (who were instructed not to bother Ellis)

What action is being taken

  • Cardi B is speaking out against settling lawsuits, stating she works hard for her money
  • Cardi B is publicly requesting her fans not to bother Ellis or her family following the verdict
  • Some fans are showing up outside the courthouse to support the rapper

Why it matters

  • The case involved allegations that could have cost Cardi B $24 million in damages
  • The incident occurred when Cardi B was attempting to maintain privacy about her pregnancy
  • The trial received significant public attention, with Cardi B's testimony and fashion choices going viral
  • The case highlights tensions between celebrities and their privacy expectations in public spaces
  • The quick jury decision (approximately one hour) demonstrates they found the evidence against Cardi B unconvincing

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC

Jury clears Cardi B of assault on security guard in Los Angeles