In a significant courtroom victory, Cardi B has triumphed months after facing allegations of assault, following a lawyer’s inquiry into her purported gang ties.
In August 2025, Cardi found herself in court due to a lawsuit filed by Emani Ellis, a security guard who alleged that the 33-year-old artist had assaulted her outside a Beverly Hills medical office in 2018.
Ellis initiated legal action against Cardi — whose real name is Belcalis Almànzar — in 2020, citing assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, alongside claims of negligence and false imprisonment. According to the prosecution, the rapper was accused of injuring the guard’s face with her fingernail, spitting on her, and using racial slurs.
A jury in Los Angeles concluded that Cardi was not liable, absolving her from paying any damages.
The artist behind “I Like It” consistently denied any misconduct.
Prior to the trial’s commencement, Los Angeles County Judge Ian C. Fusselman advised attorneys against discussing previous actions, including any past gang associations during her youth, deeming it “unduly prejudicial.”
Despite this, Ellis’ lawyer, Ron A. Rosen Janfaza, questioned Cardi during the civil trial, asking, “Do you have any affiliation at this time with a gang?”
Cardi’s lawyer immediately objected, and the judge reiterated the prior guidance to Janfaza.
Now, according to court documents reviewed by Rolling Stone, Ellis’ attorney has been fined $1,500 for raising the question. Janfaza is required to pay the fine by February 27 and report the sanctions order to the California State Bar within 30 days, as outlined by the publication.
In September 2025, Cardi addressed the media outside the courthouse after being cleared of any allegations.
“I did not touch that woman. With that being said, this time around, I’m gonna be nice. The next time someone tries to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going to countersue. I’m going to make you pay, because this is not okay,” she stated.
“I think people have this misinterpretation of celebrities, that like, ‘Oh well, we can ask for this and they’re going to settle.’ You don’t work at home, and you don’t work all day, and you don’t work for your money to give out your money.
“So don’t ever think I’m just gonna give you my money that I work hard for. I don’t lay in bed all day. I work all day, and I work hard for my money for my kids and for people I take care of.”