A Los Angeles jury has cleared Cardi B of assault and related claims after a security guard accused her of a fingernail attack and demanded $24 million (£18 million) in damages.
The lawsuit was filed by Emani Ellis, who alleged the US rapper scratched her cheek with a 3in (7.5cm) nail and spat on her outside an obstetrician’s office in 2018. Cardi B, who was pregnant at the time, had not yet made the pregnancy public.
The civil trial in Alhambra drew widespread online attention, with Cardi B’s testimony and courtroom fashion making headlines.
On the stand, she insisted Ellis had followed and filmed her, refusing to give her space. Ellis, however, told jurors the confrontation left her “traumatised.”
After deliberating for just an hour, the jury rejected all claims, including assault, battery, negligence, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Speaking after the ruling, Cardi B said: “I work all day and I work hard for my money, for my kids, for the people that I take care of. So don’t you ever think that you’re going to sue me, and I’m just going to settle.” She also urged fans not to harass Ellis or her family.
The case centred on Cardi B’s obstetrics appointment when she was four months pregnant with her first child. The clinic closed for the day to protect her privacy.
She admitted to a heated shouting match with Ellis, but denied touching or spitting on her.
Cardi B testified that Ellis, then working as a building security guard, discussed her confidential pregnancy on the phone and appeared to film her.
The rapper, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, said Ellis refused to “back up,” leading to a face-to-face argument. She acknowledged shouting obscenities and telling Ellis to “get out of my face.”
Her lawyer argued she feared for her unborn baby, while the defence case was supported by her doctor and receptionist Tierra Malcolm.
Malcolm told the court that she rushed to break up the fight and described Ellis as the aggressor, swinging her arms in an attempt to hit Cardi B, which left Malcolm with a cut on her head.
Throughout the trial, Cardi B’s appearance drew viral attention as she changed wigs and outfits daily, with her fingernails repeatedly referenced in testimony. During closing arguments she wore a black-and-white polka dot suit with a red bow.
As this was a civil case, jurors were asked to decide whether Cardi B should be held financially liable for Ellis’s alleged injuries. Cardi B testified Ellis was seeking a payout, while Ellis’s lawyer said damages should be set by the jury.
In the end, the jury fully cleared the Grammy-winning artist of liability.
Outside the Los Angeles County courthouse, a small group of fans gathered in support.
Among them was Christine Orozco, a local resident, holding a sign that read: “If the nail don’t fit, u must acquit,” a playful nod to the OJ Simpson trial where gloves, not fingernails, were central. She said Cardi B saw it and laughed.
“She had a round tip that day, not a sharp tip,” Ms Orozco remarked about Cardi B’s nails. “She read the sign. She squinted to see it. She laughed.”
