A Los Angeles jury has cleared rapper Cardi B of liability in a $24 million civil lawsuit brought by former security guard Emani Ellis. The case stemmed from an incident in February 2018 outside a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office, where Ellis alleged that the artist assaulted her.

According to the complaint, Ellis claimed she was spat on, scratched with a fingernail, and subjected to racial insults after attempting to film the performer, who was then several months pregnant. The lawsuit sought damages on counts including assault, battery, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Cardi B denied all allegations, stating she never made physical contact and that the dispute arose solely because Ellis was recording her during a private medical visit. Witnesses from the doctor’s office, including a receptionist and medical staff, testified that they did not see the rapper engage in physical aggression.

After less than an hour of deliberations, the 12-member jury returned a unanimous verdict in favor of Cardi B, rejecting all claims. The decision marks the conclusion of a years-long legal dispute that had been delayed multiple times before reaching trial.

Following the ruling, Cardi B expressed relief and criticized the case as lacking merit. She also suggested she would consider pursuing legal action against future claims she regards as baseless.

Sources: Reuters, BBC News, People, Washington Post, Yahoo Entertainment, News Ghana