Cardi B has emerged triumphant from one of the most closely watched celebrity civil trials of 2025. A Los Angeles jury ruled unanimously on Tuesday that the Grammy-winning rapper was not liable for assault and battery allegations brought by former security guard Emani Ellis.

The verdict, delivered after days of emotional testimony and fiery courtroom exchanges, means Cardi B will not have to pay the $24 million in damages Ellis demanded. For Cardi—known for her outspoken personality both in music and in life—the decision is more than just legal relief. It is vindication.

“I’ve been saying this lawsuit was nothing but a money grab,” Cardi told reporters as she exited the courthouse. “Now the jury saw the truth. And let me make it clear—anybody thinking of coming at me with a fake case in the future, I’m not just defending myself. I’m coming for you. Vengeance will be mine.”

The Backstory

The lawsuit stemmed from a 2018 incident at an obstetrician’s office where Cardi, then pregnant with her first child, allegedly clashed with Ellis, who was on duty as a security guard.

Ellis accused Cardi of lashing out physically—scratching her face with a long fingernail, spitting on her, and even hurling racial slurs. The allegations painted a damning picture of violence and prejudice, amplified by the $24 million price tag attached to the complaint.

But Cardi flatly denied ever touching Ellis. She claimed the confrontation began when Ellis attempted to record her private doctor’s visit on a phone, an act she says violated her privacy at a vulnerable moment. “I was pregnant, I was tired, and I was sick of people trying to invade my life,” Cardi testified last week.

What the Jury Heard

During the trial, Ellis’s testimony was intense and emotional. She insisted Cardi had left her with a sliced cheek and lasting emotional distress. “She got in my face, spit on me, and attacked me,” Ellis told the court.

But the defense countered with multiple witnesses who challenged that version of events. Cardi’s doctor and his receptionist both testified they saw no physical altercation. They described Cardi as upset but not violent.

“Ms. Belcalis Almánzar [Cardi’s legal name] did not strike anyone in my office that day,” the doctor said firmly on the stand.

Ultimately, the lack of corroborating evidence weighed heavily in Cardi’s favor. The jury took just a few hours to deliver their unanimous verdict.

Cardi B’s Courtroom Persona

Throughout the trial, Cardi B’s presence became its own spectacle. She arrived in style, wearing high-fashion outfits and dazzling jewelry, a stark contrast to the somber setting of a courtroom.

Some critics accused her of turning the proceedings into a runway show. But to fans, Cardi’s confidence symbolized strength. “She was showing that she wasn’t going to let this case break her,” one supporter outside the courthouse said.

Inside the courtroom, Cardi was equally unfiltered. On the stand, she raised her voice when describing how Ellis allegedly tried to record her medical appointment. “She got in my face!” Cardi exclaimed. “Do you understand how scary that is when you’re pregnant and someone twice your size is trying to exploit you?”

Ellis Responds

After the verdict, Ellis struck a surprisingly measured tone. “I’m not disappointed,” she told reporters. “I had my day in court, and that’s what matters.”

Her lawyer, however, was more defiant, confirming plans to appeal. “We believe serious errors were made in this trial, and we will be challenging the verdict,” he said.

For Ellis, the battle isn’t over. But the uphill climb to overturn a unanimous jury decision will be steep.

Cardi’s Next Move: Countersuits

The rapper wasted no time in announcing her intentions to strike back legally at those who file what she considers “nefarious lawsuits.”

“I’ve got money, but I didn’t earn it to just give it away to liars,” she said outside the courthouse. “Next person who tries me, I’m countersuing. Simple as that.”

Legal experts note that Cardi’s threat isn’t empty. Countersuits for malicious prosecution or defamation could serve as a deterrent for future litigants hoping to cash in on celebrity encounters.

A History of Legal Fights

This isn’t Cardi’s first courtroom showdown. In 2022, she won a defamation lawsuit against a blogger who spread false claims about her, securing millions in damages. That victory reinforced her reputation as someone who doesn’t back down from legal battles.

“Cardi is unique in that she embraces the fight,” said pop culture analyst Marissa Green. “She doesn’t hide when she’s accused. She shows up, she speaks her mind, and she often comes out on top.”

The Bigger Picture

The case highlights a broader issue for celebrities: the constant threat of litigation from individuals claiming harm. While some lawsuits are valid, others may be attempts to leverage fame for financial gain.

Cardi’s fiery response sends a message to other stars: fight back hard, and don’t be afraid to call out what you see as exploitation.

For her fans, the verdict is a cause for celebration. Social media erupted within minutes of the news, with hashtags like #CardiBVictory and #NotGuilty trending worldwide.

What’s Next for Cardi B

With the trial behind her, Cardi says she plans to focus on her family and career. She has teased new music and hinted at a possible tour in 2026.

“Court is done. Now it’s back to the studio, back to making money, and back to living my best life,” she declared with her signature laugh.

But she also left reporters with a warning. “I hope today sends a message. I’m not the one to play with. I’m Cardi B. And I always get the last word.”

Closing Thoughts

Cardi B’s civil trial may have started as a legal battle over a 2018 incident, but it ended as a showcase of her resilience, her flair for drama, and her determination to protect both her name and her fortune.

For Ellis, the fight isn’t finished. For Cardi, the victory is sweet—and she’s already preparing for her next round in the endless game of celebrity lawsuits.

As one fan outside the courthouse shouted: “Cardi always wins, baby!”