Jury clears rapper in LA civil trial over claims she cut guard’s face and spat during 2018 clash

Cardi B has been cleared of allegations that she assaulted a Los Angeles security guard during a fiery encounter outside a doctor’s office in 2018, bringing an end to a highly theatrical civil trial that gripped headlines for weeks.

A jury deliberated for less than an hour before rejecting claims from Emani Ellis, who accused the rapper of scratching her face with a three-inch rhinestone nail and spitting on her during a confrontation at an obstetrician’s clinic. Ellis had sought damages for medical bills, lost wages and emotional trauma, alleging the incident left her scarred and humiliated.

The Grammy-winning star, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, had repeatedly denied the allegations. Speaking outside the Alhambra courthouse after the verdict, she thanked her lawyers, fans and the press. “Let’s just put this behind,” she told reporters. “But I’m giving a warning: I am not that celeb you gonna sue and think is going to settle. Especially when I am super, completely innocent.”

The case centred on a doctor’s appointment Cardi B attended while four months pregnant with her first child. At the time, her pregnancy was not public knowledge. The office had closed its doors to other patients to protect her privacy. Cardi B claimed Ellis followed her to the fifth floor, appeared to film her, and said her name aloud on the phone — actions the rapper said threatened to expose her pregnancy.

According to Cardi B, the clash was nothing more than a “verbal fight”. Ellis, however, alleged that the rapper became aggressive, scratching her cheek and leaving a scar that later required cosmetic surgery. Ellis testified she was traumatised and later lost her job as a result of the altercation.

During her testimony, Cardi B insisted there was no physical contact, despite admitting the two were “chest-to-chest” at one point. “She couldn’t get a scratch from me because I didn’t touch her,” the rapper said. She added with frustration: “Yes, I was angry! Because I’m pregnant! And this girl’s about to fucking beat my ass!”

The trial featured a colourful back-and-forth between the star and Ellis’s attorney, much of which went viral. At one point, the lawyer pressed Cardi B about whether she was physically capable of scratching someone while pregnant. “But I didn’t because I had a baby inside me,” she shot back. When asked if she was disabled, she replied: “At that moment, when you’re pregnant, I’m very disabled. Do you want me to tell you things I can’t do?” The exchange drew laughter in the courtroom.

Cardi B also denied mocking Ellis’s appearance, explaining a disputed remark. When asked if she had called Ellis “fat”, she responded: “No. I was calling her a bitch.”

Testimony from others present at the clinic supported Cardi B’s account. Dr David Finke, her obstetrician, and Tierra Malcolm, the office receptionist, both told the court they saw no physical altercation. Malcolm, who intervened during the heated argument, said she wasn’t sure she could repeat the exact words exchanged. Judge Ian C Fusselman reassured her: “We’ve heard just about everything so far, so it’s OK,” prompting more laughter.

In closing arguments, Ellis’s legal team suggested the jury should decide on compensation, while Cardi B said she believed she was being targeted for $24m. Ultimately, the jury dismissed all claims, including assault, battery, false imprisonment, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

As she left the courthouse, Cardi B reflected on the verdict with defiance and humour. “I know I’ve got a little reputation,” she said, “but I swear to God I am innocent.”