Security Guard in $24 Million Cardi B Assault Case Says It Wasn’t About Money

The former security guard who brought a $24 million lawsuit against Cardi B and accused the rapper of assault says the case was “never about the money.”

“What she did to me was real, never about the money, but more importantly, it’s about the accountability,” Emani Ellis told reporters on Tuesday (Sept. 2) after the jury cleared Cardi, ending the week-long trial.

In her lawsuit, Ellis accused the Am I the Drama? rapper of assaulting her at a Los Angeles obstetrics and gynecology facility where Ellis was working as a security guard.

Ellis said Cardi scratched her face with a “two or three-inch” fingernail and spit on her between racist and fatphobic insults.

“My position is the same,” Ellis told reporters. “She assaulted and battered me, and I don’t want her to get away with it. I don’t want it to be overlooked.”

During the trial, Ellis’ lawyer said she was no longer asking $24 million and was only seeking compensation for her medical expenses, plus $250,000, according to Variety.

In her statement, Ellis also referenced the moment that the “Bodak Yellow” rapper lobbed a pen at a reporter after he asked if she’s pregnant with Offset’s child.

“That’s for disrespecting me,” Bardi said as her bodyguard redirected her from the reporter.

It was one of many memorable moments in the trial, which also saw Cardi explaining the concept of wigs to Ellis’ lawyer, defining the word “altercation,” and looking bewildered at the question of whether Ellis is “bigger” than her.

After her victory on Tuesday, Cardi doubled down on insisting she “did not touch” Ellis.

“I didn’t lay my hands on that girl, and with that being said, the next person that tried to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going to countersue and make you pay,” the rapper said. “Because this is not OK.”