Judge Orders Security Guard to Pay Cardi B’s Legal Fees After Losing Assault Lawsuit
Cardi B Secures Another Legal Victory
April 3, 2026 – Cardi B is once again making headlines after a judge ruled that a former security guard who sued her must now cover the rapper’s legal costs.
Photo by DENNIS A. CLARK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
The decision comes after a long-running legal battle that dates back several years, finally closing another chapter in one of Cardi B’s most talked-about court cases.
According to court rulings, the plaintiff—former security guard Emani Ellis—has been ordered to pay nearly $20,000 in legal and trial-related fees following the outcome of the case.
Where the Case Started
The lawsuit originally stems from a 2018 incident involving Cardi B and the security guard at a medical facility in Beverly Hills.
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At the time, Ellis claimed that the rapper assaulted her during a confrontation, accusing Cardi B of physical and verbal misconduct. The lawsuit, filed in 2020, sought millions in damages and quickly became a widely discussed case.
Ellis alleged that the situation escalated to physical contact, claiming she was injured during the incident. However, Cardi B consistently denied those allegations, maintaining that the encounter was strictly verbal.
What Happened in Court
The case eventually went to trial in 2025, where both sides presented their version of events.
During testimony, Cardi B explained that the confrontation happened after she believed the security guard was attempting to film her during a private visit. At the time, she was pregnant and had not publicly shared that information, which added to the tension of the moment.
Cardi B in Thermal, California, last AprilRiver Callaway/’Billboard’
Witnesses, including staff members at the location, supported Cardi’s account, describing the situation as a heated verbal argument rather than a physical altercation.
After reviewing the evidence, a Los Angeles jury reached a decision quickly—siding with Cardi B and clearing her of all claims.
The Judge’s Latest Ruling
Following that verdict, the legal process didn’t end immediately. Cardi B’s legal team filed to recover the costs associated with defending the case.
Now, the court has ruled in her favor once again.
A judge determined that the legal expenses submitted—totaling around $19,690—were reasonable and should be paid by the plaintiff.
These costs include:
- Deposition expenses
- Court reporting fees
- Document and filing costs
The ruling effectively means that the security guard, after bringing the case to court and losing, is now responsible for covering the financial burden of the legal process.
The Claims That Drew Attention
Part of what made this case widely discussed were the specific claims made during the lawsuit.
The security guard alleged that Cardi B not only assaulted her but also insulted her during the confrontation. These claims became a major part of the case and contributed to the attention it received both in court and online.
However, after hearing all sides and reviewing evidence, the jury ultimately rejected those claims, finding no basis to hold Cardi B legally responsible.
A Strong Response From Cardi B’s Legal Team
Throughout the case, Cardi B’s legal team maintained a firm stance, arguing that the lawsuit lacked merit.
In court filings, they pushed back against the allegations and defended the rapper’s version of events. After the verdict, they also challenged attempts to avoid paying legal fees, calling those arguments unfounded.
The judge ultimately agreed, reinforcing the decision that the costs should be reimbursed.
A Pattern of Legal Wins
This latest ruling adds to a series of legal victories for Cardi B in recent months.
In addition to this case, she has also successfully defended herself in other lawsuits, including a recent copyright case that was dismissed in her favor.
These outcomes have strengthened her position both legally and publicly, showing a consistent pattern of favorable rulings in court.
Why This Case Matters
Beyond the headline, this case highlights a broader point about legal accountability.
When lawsuits are brought forward—especially high-profile ones—they carry financial risks. If a case does not succeed, courts can require the losing party to cover legal costs.
ICYMI: Cardi B’s civil trial testimony produced some viral one-liners
I was in the CA courtroom, can confirm multiple jurors smiled or laughed at these:
“They’re wigs” & “We’re having … a debate”
Cardi denies assaulting security guard
Closing arguments today pic.twitter.com/6X1pz1WMYI
— Nancy Dillon (@Nancy__Dillon) September 2, 2025
In this situation, that’s exactly what happened. The ruling sends a clear message about the consequences of pursuing claims that ultimately do not hold up in court.
Public Reaction to the Decision
As news of the ruling spread, reactions quickly followed.
Supporters of Cardi B viewed the decision as justified, pointing to the jury’s earlier verdict and the consistency of the court’s rulings. Others focused on how long the case had been ongoing and how it has now finally reached a conclusion.
For many, the financial ruling is seen as the final step in closing out a case that has been in the spotlight for years.
What This Means Going Forward
With the legal process now largely resolved, Cardi B can move forward without this case hanging over her.
For the plaintiff, the ruling represents the end of a lengthy legal battle, along with the added responsibility of covering the costs associated with it.
Situations like this often serve as a reminder of how complex and drawn-out legal disputes can become—especially when they involve public figures.
Closing Note
After years of legal back-and-forth, the case between Cardi B and her former security guard has reached a decisive end.
With the court not only clearing her of the original claims but also awarding her legal costs, the outcome firmly reinforces her position in the case.
For now, the spotlight shifts away from the courtroom and back to her career—but the case itself leaves behind a clear example of how high-profile legal battles can unfold and ultimately conclude.