A Los Angeles jury has found Cardi B not liable in a headline-grabbing civil lawsuit that accused her of assaulting a security guard during a heated encounter in 2018.

The verdict marks a major win for the Grammy-winning rapper, who faced a $24 million (Ksh3 billion) claim over an alleged fingernail attack and verbal abuse outside a private medical clinic.

The jury’s decision came swiftly, deliberating for just about an hour before clearing the rapper of all five claims, including assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and false imprisonment.

The case was brought by Emani Ellis, a former security guard who said Cardi scratched her cheek with a 3-inch fingernail and spat on her while hurling racist and fatphobic insults.

Ellis worked at the OB-GYN clinic where Cardi, then four months pregnant, had gone for an appointment. Ellis insisted the lawsuit wasn’t about the money, but “about accountability.”

Cardi, whose real name is Belcalis Almánzar, firmly denied touching Ellis at all.

While she admitted to shouting at the guard, she testified that Ellis had breached her privacy, filmed her without consent, and refused to give her space, sparking a verbal confrontation.

“I didn’t lay my hands on that girl,” Cardi said after the verdict. “The next person who tries a frivolous lawsuit, I’m going to countersue and make you pay.”

The trial featured testimony from medical staff who supported Cardi’s version of events and went viral for moments like Cardi explaining wigs in court and dodging pregnancy questions.

The jury’s swift rejection of the claims sends a clear message—and leaves Cardi walking away, unapologetic and undefeated.