Cardi B and Accuser Emani Ellis Speak Out After Rapper Wins $24 M Lawsuit
On September 2, 2025, a California jury delivered a unanimous verdict in favor of Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B (real name Belcalis Almanzar), ruling that she was not liable in the $24 million civil lawsuit filed by former security guard Emani Ellis. The case, rooted in a 2018 incident at a Beverly Hills medical office, concluded in under an hour of deliberation and sent shockwaves through both legal and entertainment circles. Distractify+10People.com+10Music Times+10
The Verdict and Cardi B’s Reaction
Immediately after the verdict, Cardi B spoke to reporters outside the courthouse. She emphatically asserted her innocence, stating: “I did not touch that woman.” She voiced her frustration over being perceived as an easy target for baseless lawsuits, warning that if she ever faced another frivolous claim, she would not hesitate to countersue — and “make you pay.” People.com
She expressed her weariness in dealing with what she termed “frivolous lawsuits,” noting: “Don’t ever think I’m just gonna give you my money… I work all day and I work hard—for my kids and the people I take care of.” She also made a public plea for her supporters to refrain from harassing Ellis and her family online, stressing her desire to move forward. People.com
In earlier comments, Cardi had echoed similar sentiments, calling out the emergence of “lawsuit trolls” and reaffirming she would pursue legal counters in response to false claims. IndiatimesPeople.com Her courtroom demeanor — candid, humorous, and refreshingly unfiltered — captivated global attention and dominated social media discourse. Memesita+2People.com+2
Emani Ellis’s Response
Public statements from Emani Ellis herself have been notably scarce. However, reporting from courtroom coverage indicates that Ellis’s legal team did not shy away from pushing the case forward, even acknowledging disappointment with the outcome while emphasizing the importance of giving voice to her experience. TMZ+10Court TV+10Shalena Speaks+10
Court TV’s coverage noted that, during their closing arguments, Ellis’s attorney stressed the legitimacy of her pain and trauma, underscoring that the case was about more than money—it was about acknowledgment and closure. Court TV
Following the verdict, although no direct quotations from Ellis have emerged, her lawyer has confirmed the firm intent to appeal the judgement, signaling there will be further legal steps ahead. AP News
Background: What Led Here
The lawsuit originated from a 2018 confrontation at a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office, where Cardi B, then four months pregnant, was keeping her pregnancy private. Ellis, employed as a security guard at the location, claimed Cardi assaulted her—scratching her face with a fingernail, spitting on her, using racial slurs, and causing emotional distress requiring surgery and impacting her career. Shalena Speaks+10Rap-Up+10People.com+10
Cardi B, for her part, insisted the confrontation was strictly verbal. She testified that Ellis had followed her and began filming without her permission, and that feeling trapped and vulnerable triggered a heated exchange—yet she denied any physical contact. Court TV
Several key witnesses supported Cardi’s testimony. A receptionist and her gynecologist both testified they observed no physical assault, with the doctor noting he saw Ellis striking a receptionist—not the other way around. washingtonpost.comReutersCourt TV
Why It Matters
For Cardi B: Reclaiming Image and Setting Precedent
This verdict not only clears Cardi B legally but also reinforces her public image as someone unwilling to be bullied or shamed by lucrative but baseless claims. Her candid court testimony, coupled with a firm stance against future frivolous suits, suggests a new chapter of empowerment and self-advocacy.
For Emani Ellis: A Story Unresolved
Ellis’s decision to move forward with an appeal underscores her conviction in the legitimacy of her claims. While the verdict did not swing in her favor, the lack of a statement does leave restlessness around her personal narrative—many questions remain about the extent of damage, emotional or otherwise, she claims to have suffered.
Looking Ahead
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Cardi B is full steam ahead toward the release of her album Am I the Drama?, dropping September 19; this courtroom chapter will likely fuel promotion and public conversation in the lead-up. vulture.comIndiatimes
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Emani Ellis will continue her legal battle. Her appeal could mean a new hearing, additional evidence, or extended courtroom drama. As of now, her narrative remains open—not vindicated, but far from over.
Conclusion
In a verdict that lasted less than an hour yet sent ripples across both the legal system and pop culture, Cardi B emerged victorious—both legally and in the court of public opinion. Her straightforward denial, willingness to stand firm, and plea for civil discourse resonated. Meanwhile, Emani Ellis, while defeated in court, continues to represent a perspective that — at least for now — remains unresolved.
This moment isn’t just about a celebrity beating a lawsuit. It’s also about how privacy, power, and personal boundaries collide, especially when fame becomes a target. The ripples of this case—legal, cultural, and emotional—are far from settled.
