Cardi B has been cleared of the assault and battery claims that were brought against her by a former security guard.

Cardi B has been cleared of the assault and battery claims that were brought against her by a former security guard.

In 2020, Emani Ellis filed a civil suit against the I Like It rapper over an alleged confrontation that took place in February 2018. Ellis had been seeking $24 million (£18 million) in damages.

During the trial, which unfolded in Alhambra, California, last week, Ellis claimed that Cardi, whose real name is Belcalis Almánzar, cut her face with her nails, spat on her, and left her traumatized during an encounter outside a Beverly Hills doctor’s office.

When the Bodak Yellow star testified, she firmly denied ever laying a hand on Ellis, saying the two only had a “verbal altercation.”

On Tuesday, the jury returned a verdict in Cardi’s favor, finding her not responsible for the allegations and concluding that Ellis had not proven her case.

As a result, Cardi will not be required to pay any damages.

Outside the courthouse, Cardi told reporters that she is ready to “move on” but warned she will be far tougher on anyone who tries to come after her again.

“I did not touch that woman. With that being said, this time around, I am going to be nice. The next time someone files a frivolous lawsuit against me, I am going to countersue. I am going to make them pay, because this is not OK,” the 32-year-old said. “I think people misunderstand celebrities, like, ‘Oh well, we can ask for this and they will just settle.’ You do not sit at home all day, you do not work long hours, and you do not earn your money to hand it out. So do not think I will give away the money I work hard for. I do not lie around in bed. I work every day, and I work hard for my money, for my kids, and for the people I take care of.”

Attorneys for Ellis have not yet released a statement about the outcome.