Cardi B has spoken out for the first time after securing a decisive victory in a $24 million legal dispute. On Tuesday, Page Six reported that a Los Angeles jury found the 32-year-old rapper not liable in the high-profile civil case filed by her former security guard, Emani Ellis.
In a lawsuit initiated in 2020, Emani alleged that the “WRAP” hitmaker had cut her cheek with a 3-inch (7.5cm) fingernail outside a Beverly Hills medical office back in February 2018. However, Cardi B was cleared of all charges in a civil trial, as Emani failed to substantiate any of her claims in court.
A Warning Against Future Legal Action
Following the favorable verdict, the Grammy-winning artist addressed reporters outside the courthouse, stating, “I did not touch that woman.” She continued, “With that being said, this time around, I’m going to 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.”
The “Up” hitmaker added, “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.” She further explained, “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.” The “I Like It” singer also urged her fans to leave Emani alone on social media, saying she wants to “put this all behind” her.
