Cardi B Wins Legal Battle: Guard Pays $20K

It’s official: Cardi B has won her legal battle against security guard Emani Ellis. Six months after a jury unanimously ruled in favor of the rapper, a judge has now ordered Ellis to pay Cardi B’s legal fees, totaling nearly $20,000.

The case centered on claims made by Ellis, who accused Cardi B of assault following an incident outside a Beverly Hills medical office in February 2018. Ellis alleged that Cardi B scratched her face, but the jury found no evidence to support these claims after a short deliberation.

The Verdict: Legal Fees Awarded

The recent court ruling confirms that Cardi B is entitled to recover $19,690 in trial-related expenses. These costs cover essential litigation fees such as deposition fees, court reporter services, and photocopying expenses incurred during her defense. Ellis attempted to challenge this reimbursement, arguing the filing was late and the costs were inflated, but the judge found the request to be timely and necessary.

The judge’s decision adopted the tentative ruling, solidifying that the full amount must be paid to Cardi B. This outcome reinforces the jury’s initial verdict and subsequent court decisions that have consistently favored the rapper throughout the legal process.

Challenges and Sanctions

Ellis and her attorney, Ron A. Rosen Janfaza, had argued that Cardi B should not receive reimbursement, claiming the rapper “proceeded in bad faith.” However, Cardi B’s legal team disputed these accusations, asserting that all filings adhered to proper procedures and describing the claims as “meritless.” The judge agreed, finding no evidence of bad faith or procedural errors.

This isn’t the first time the court has ruled against Ellis or her attorney. Following the jury’s verdict, Los Angeles County Judge Ian C. Fusselman denied Ellis’ request for a new trial. Furthermore, in January, the judge sanctioned Ellis’ attorney, fining him $1,500 for asking Cardi B about alleged “gang affiliation” during testimony. This line of questioning was deemed a “knowing and intentional” violation of a pretrial order that excluded irrelevant information.

The Trial Details

During the trial, the core issue was whether Cardi B assaulted Ellis. Cardi B testified that there was no physical contact, describing the encounter as a verbal dispute that arose after she believed Ellis was filming her while she was pregnant. Defense witnesses, including a doctor and a receptionist, corroborated Cardi B’s account, suggesting Ellis may have been the aggressor.

Ultimately, the jury found that Ellis failed to prove her assault allegations, leading to the unanimous verdict in Cardi B’s favor. The subsequent ruling on legal costs concludes another chapter in this case, reinforcing Cardi B’s victory and holding the plaintiff financially responsible for the unsuccessful claims.