1 day ago
10
Music|Cardi B Is Found Not Liable for Assault in Civil Trial
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/02/arts/music/cardi-b-verdict-assault-trial.html
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load.
The rapper and pop star had been accused in a lawsuit of scratching and spitting on a security guard in 2018.
Sept. 2, 2025, 8:09 p.m. ET
A jury in Los Angeles County determined on Tuesday that Cardi B had not assaulted a security guard who claimed that the Bronx rapper and pop star attacked her seven years ago.
The civil case involving Cardi B, who was born Belcalis Almanzar, drew wide attention last week after her blunt, unvarnished testimony about what had transpired was broadcast online.
The security guard, Emani Ellis, filed a civil complaint against Ms. Almanzar in 2020. During the trial, Ms. Almanzar said Ms. Ellis was seeking $24 million.
But a jury rebuffed the allegations, finding that Ms. Ellis had failed to prove any of her claims, which in addition to assault and battery included intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence.
As each member of the jury confirmed that the verdicts were unanimous, Ms. Almanzar made a quick sign of the cross. Almost immediately after the verdict was finalized, she clasped her hands together and shook them in an apparent sign of relief and celebration.
“I did not touch that woman,” Ms. Almanzar, 32, said outside the courtroom minutes later, after thanking her supporters. She warned that in the future, if someone were to bring a “frivolous lawsuit” against her, she would countersue. “I’m going to make you pay,” she said. “Because this is not OK.”
