In a dramatic turn of events, Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, has been cleared of all charges in a high-profile $24 million civil lawsuit in Los Angeles. The case, which captivated the public with its viral courtroom moments, centered on allegations that Cardi assaulted a security guard, Emani Ellis, in 2018 outside a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office. While the jury’s swift decision to exonerate the rapper brought relief to her fans, it was her fiery exit from the courthouse that ignited a new storm of controversy. A single question from a reporter pushed the famously outspoken star to the edge, resulting in a pen-throwing incident that has left the internet buzzing and journalists fuming.

The trial, held in Alhambra, California, stemmed from a heated encounter seven years ago when Cardi, then four months pregnant with her first child, Kulture, clashed with Ellis, a security guard at a medical building. Ellis claimed that Cardi cut her cheek with a 3-inch acrylic nail and spat on her during a confrontation, leaving her “deeply traumatized” and requiring cosmetic surgery. She sought damages for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and false imprisonment, alleging the incident cost her job and caused lasting emotional and physical scars. Cardi, however, vehemently denied the accusations, insisting the altercation was verbal, not physical, and that Ellis had invaded her privacy by recording her during a sensitive doctor’s visit.

From the moment Cardi took the stand, her testimony became a spectacle. Known for her unfiltered personality, the “Bodak Yellow” rapper delivered colorful responses that turned the trial into a viral phenomenon. Social media platforms lit up with clips of her animated exchanges with Ellis’s attorney, Ron Rosen Janfaza. When asked if she was having a “verbal altercation” with the lawyer, Cardi quipped, “Ehhh, I would say we having a debate,” prompting laughter in the courtroom. Her descriptions of Ellis as “security-heavy” and “like she could protect a building” drew chuckles, while her exasperated explanation of wearing wigs—“They’re wigs!”—became an instant meme. Cardi’s focus on her rhinestone-decorated, coffin-shaped nails, which she insisted were not sharp enough to cause harm, added a surreal twist to the proceedings.

The trial wasn’t just about courtroom theatrics. Cardi’s defense was bolstered by key witnesses, including the obstetrician, Dr. David Finke, and his receptionist, Tierra Malcolm, who both testified that they saw no physical assault. Malcolm, who intervened during the argument, claimed Ellis was the aggressor, swinging her arms and accidentally cutting Malcolm’s forehead. This testimony painted a picture of a chaotic but non-violent confrontation, supporting Cardi’s claim that she never touched Ellis. The rapper emphasized her vulnerability at the time, noting she was pregnant and concerned about her privacy, as the visit was for a confidential check-up during a pregnancy she had not yet announced publicly.

After three days of testimony, the jury deliberated for just under an hour before clearing Cardi of all charges on September 2, 2025. The verdict was a triumph for the rapper, who had maintained her innocence throughout the ordeal. Outside the courthouse, fans celebrated, one holding a sign reading, “If the nail don’t fit, u must acquit,” a playful nod to the O.J. Simpson trial. Cardi, dressed in a striking black-and-white polka dot suit with a red bow, thanked her legal team and supporters, declaring, “I work hard for my money, for my kids, for the people I take care of. Don’t think you’re gonna sue me and I’m just gonna settle.”

But the victory was quickly overshadowed by a heated encounter with reporters. As Cardi addressed the media, a male reporter posed a provocative question: “Cardi, insiders are claiming that Offset is publicly bragging about getting you pregnant for the fourth time. Do you foresee any paternity issues with Stefon Diggs?” The question, laced with insinuations about her personal life, struck a nerve. In a flash, Cardi grabbed a pen from another reporter and hurled it toward the journalist, shouting, “Stop disrespecting me! Don’t disrespect me!” The moment, captured on video, went viral, with many praising her for standing up to what they saw as a disrespectful jab, while others criticized her for losing her composure.

The reporter, undeterred, responded, “I still love you even though you threw some stuff at me,” to which Cardi snapped back, “I don’t care. You’re disrespectful, don’t do that. Do you see women asking those types of questions to me? Why do you feel, as a man, that you get to ask me those types of questions?” She then cut her interviews short, visibly upset, and warned, “Y’all are not going to see me after that, and you can thank him. I’m not playing around.” The incident sparked a polarized reaction online, with some calling the reporter’s question unprofessional and others arguing Cardi’s response was an overreaction.

For Ellis, the verdict was a disappointment but not a defeat. Speaking to reporters, she maintained her composure, stating, “I don’t think that it reflects the truth, but I’m not disappointed. We know that the justice system is sometimes flawed. More importantly, it’s about accountability. I had my day in court, I showed up, I held my head high.” Her words underscored the emotional toll of the case, which she said left her humiliated and jobless after the 2018 incident.

The trial and its aftermath have only amplified Cardi’s larger-than-life persona. Her ability to turn a courtroom into a stage, complete with witty one-liners and bold fashion choices, kept the public hooked. Yet, the pen-throwing incident has reignited debates about her temper and the pressures of celebrity life. For Cardi, who has faced scrutiny over everything from her music to her personal relationships, the question about her pregnancy and rumored infidelity was a step too far. It took just three seconds for her to go from triumphant to enraged, revealing the raw vulnerability beneath her confident exterior.

As the dust settles, this saga raises broader questions about privacy, accountability, and the cost of fame. Cardi’s victory in court may have cleared her of legal liability, but the court of public opinion remains divided. Was the reporter’s question a deliberate provocation, or was Cardi’s reaction a sign of her inability to handle criticism? Whatever the truth, this chapter in Cardi B’s story proves once again that she is a force of nature—unapologetic, unpredictable, and impossible to ignore.