Cardi B has been cleared of all civil liability in a high-profile $24 million lawsuit brought by former security guard Emani Ellis. The Los Angeles jury delivered a unanimous verdict in under an hour, ruling in favor of the rapper–turning a legal challenge into a public victory. The verdict comes as Cardi B gears up to release her anticipated second studio album, Am I the Drama?, on September 19.
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The Case: Allegations & Defense
In February 2018, Cardi B was visiting a Beverly Hills obstetrician for a secret pregnancy when Emani Ellis, then a security guard, claimed the rapper scratched her face with a fingernail, spat on her, and used racial slurs. Ellis alleged the incident caused physical injuries, emotional distress, and derailed her law enforcement career.
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Cardi B, who testified she was four months pregnant at the time, denied touching Ellis and stated the confrontation was purely verbal—sparked when she believed Ellis was filming her during a private medical visit. Her defense was supported by healthcare staff who corroborated that no physical contact occurred.
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Verdict & Reactions
A Los Angeles Superior Court jury delivered a quick, unanimous verdict: Cardi B is not liable.
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Emerging from the courthouse, Cardi B expressed relief and defiance:
“The next person who tries a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going to countersue… I’m not that celeb that you sue and I’m going to settle.”
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She also noted the trial’s personal cost—having missed her children’s first day of school—and humorously referenced her ever-changing courtroom wigs that even her lawyer found confusing.
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Attorney for Ellis signaled plans to appeal. Meanwhile, the media spotlight turned to Cardi B’s sharp courtroom fashion, which sparked widespread praise on social media.
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Context: Music & Momentum
This legal resolution aligns with a pivotal moment in Cardi B’s career. Her second studio album, Am I the Drama?, is scheduled for September 19, 2025 after a prolonged creative journey marked by anxiety and pressure.
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Recent singles hint at a bold, reflective project:
- “Outside” — released June 20, 2025 — debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Cardi B’s 13th top-ten hit and reinforcing her chart dominance.
Wikipedia1 - “Imaginary Playerz” — dropped August 15, 2025 — samples Jay-Z’s Imaginary Players after receiving his approval, adding prestige and creative depth.
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Meanwhile, Cardi B candidly shared in an Apple Music interview how she discarded over 80 songs amid a severe creative block and faced heavier criticism than many peers—fueling her emotional journey behind the album.
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What’s Next: Legal and Creative Futures
- Possible Appeal – Ellis’s legal team may challenge the verdict.
- Countersuit Threat – Cardi B has signaled she’ll push back against future claims.
- Album Launch – Am I the Drama? drops September 19, expected to propel her artistic transformation.
- Public Narrative – The court win may fortify her authenticity and confidence ahead of re-emergence in music.
Here’s a video capturing Cardi B’s reaction after being cleared in the high-profile civil trial
