Court Rules in Favor of Cardi B in $24 Million Lawsuit Filed by Security Guard

Cardi B Cleared in $24 Million Security Guard Lawsuit: Jury Finds Grammy-Winning Rapper Not Guilty

In a high-profile legal battle that captivated fans and the media alike, Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B has been declared not guilty in a $24 million lawsuit filed by a security guard. The Los Angeles jury ruled in favor of the superstar, ending a legal dispute that began after an alleged incident outside an obstetrics clinic in 2018.

Cardi B Reacts to Verdict

Following the court’s decision, Cardi B spoke to reporters outside the Los Angeles courthouse, revealing the personal and emotional toll the lawsuit had taken on her. She admitted the timing of the trial was particularly challenging, coinciding with the promotional period for her highly anticipated new album. Cardi B also shared that she missed her children’s first day of school on September 2 due to the court proceedings.

“The next person who dares to sue me over trivial matters, I will countersue and make them pay,” Cardi B said. “People often misunderstand celebrities, thinking ‘oh, we can demand this, they’ll settle…’ But don’t ever think you can sue me and I’ll just sit quietly and hand over money. That will never happen.”

Background of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit was filed by Emani Ellis, a security guard who accused Cardi B of scratching her face with her fingernails during the 2018 encounter. Ellis claimed that Cardi B’s celebrity status contributed to her being terminated from her job, and she initially sought $24 million in damages.

The case attracted widespread attention not only because of the large sum involved but also due to Cardi B’s bold and unapologetic demeanor during the trial. Her courtroom fashion and sharp remarks sparked viral memes and social media discussions, making this one of the most publicized celebrity legal battles in recent years.

Key Testimonies

Cardi B testified that Ellis had been filming and following her without consent at the clinic, which led to a verbal confrontation while Cardi B was pregnant. She emphasized that the encounter escalated into a heated argument but did not involve any physical assault.

“We were almost face-to-face. I thought, this girl is tall, wearing huge black boots. I wondered, ‘what do I do?’ She stood right in front of me, nearly touching me, and we argued. I told her to step back, but she wouldn’t,” Cardi B recalled. She added that the verbal dispute ended with her telling Ellis bluntly: “Bitch, back off.” Cardi B insisted: “She didn’t hit me. I didn’t hit her. No physical contact occurred.”

Emani Ellis testified that Cardi B had pointed a finger at her, causing emotional distress, but denied filming the rapper or communicating with anyone else during the incident.

Legal Developments

During the trial, Ellis’ attorney, Ron Rosen Janfaza, confirmed that his client had dropped claims related to her termination and reduced the financial demand. Instead of seeking $24 million, Ellis requested compensation for medical expenses along with $250,000 in damages.

“She was abused, harmed, attacked, and Cardi B needs to be held accountable,” Rosen Janfaza stated in court.

However, the jury ultimately sided with Cardi B, delivering a verdict that cleared her of all charges.

Cardi B’s Upcoming Album Amid Legal Drama

Despite the ongoing lawsuit, Cardi B remained focused on her music career. She is set to release her highly anticipated album, Am I the Drama?, on September 19, 2025. Fans and industry insiders are closely watching how the legal victory and media attention might influence the album’s reception and promotional campaign.

Public and Media Reactions

The lawsuit and trial have generated significant public interest, partly due to Cardi B’s reputation for being outspoken and authentic. Social media has been flooded with reactions, memes, and discussions about celebrity culture, privacy, and the challenges public figures face in legal disputes.

Many commentators noted Cardi B’s resilience and transparency throughout the trial, framing her courtroom presence as both entertaining and empowering. The case has also sparked broader debates about how Hollywood handles lawsuits involving high-profile figures and the way media narratives can influence public perception.

Conclusion

Cardi B’s legal triumph in the $24 million lawsuit marks a significant moment in her career, reaffirming her status as a fearless and resilient artist. While the lawsuit is behind her, the trial has underscored the pressures of fame and the challenges celebrities face when navigating legal disputes in the public eye.

With her album release just around the corner, Cardi B appears ready to turn the page, focusing on her music, family, and continued influence in the entertainment industry.