A Los Angeles civil jury officially found rapper Cardi B not guilty in the assault trial filed by a former security guard.
The verdict, obtained on September 2, 2025, was concluded quickly and unanimously, after only one hour of deliberation.
The lawsuit was filed in 2020 by Emani Ellis, who accused Cardi B of physically assaulting her-scratching her in the face with her fingernails-and spitting on her during an altercation at a Beverly Hills obstetrics clinic in February 2018.
The plaintiff also alleged emotional aggression, the use of insults and loss of employment, claiming up to US$24 million in compensation.
Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, categorically denied any physical contact.
She stated that the exchange was exclusively verbal, motivated by a misunderstanding: security, according to her, attempted to record her without consent while she was attending a medical appointment where she had not yet confirmed her pregnancy.
Several witnesses, such as a receptionist and the doctor present, supported her version, assuring that they did not observe physical aggression. Cardi B was emotionally expressive in court, even using humor, which generated viral attention on social networks.
Cardi B is victorious
For anyone, especially in a culture where the private can be misunderstood, this judgment underscores the importance of respecting the privacy of others and acting prudently, particularly in tense environments.
The case showed how public figures can be judged as much by evidence as by their media presence. The community can learn to differentiate between virals and legal verdicts, avoiding hasty conclusions about conflicts without solid grounds.
Cardi B’s defense managed to exclude legally sensitive evidence-such as her prior history-which prevented biased perceptions from forming during the trial. This type of strategy is useful in any high-profile litigation.
The singer called the lawsuit “frivolous” and warned of future counter-suits in similar cases. It’s a reminder to know your rights and protect them, especially in situations that may not have solid support.
Cardi B was found not responsible for the assault allegations, following a civil trial with extensive media coverage and testimonial support in her favor.
This ruling offers relevant lessons for the U.S. Hispanic community on privacy, public perception, legal strategies and the threat of unfounded lawsuits.
Here is the video of the interview Cardi B gave when she was acquitted of the case.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
