Cardi B Wins $20K in Legal Fees After Assault Case

Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B has secured a significant victory in her legal proceedings, with a Los Angeles judge ordering security guard Emani Ellis to pay nearly $20,000 in trial fees. The ruling, made on March 26, 2026, allows Cardi B to recover $19,690.26, covering expenses such as filing fees, jury costs, and deposition fees.

This financial award stems from Ellis's failed assault lawsuit against the rapper, which concluded in September 2025 with a jury finding Cardi B not guilty. Ellis and her attorney had been attempting to avoid payment since November 2025, arguing against the legitimacy of the fees.

Judge Ian C. Fusselman found the costs to be reasonable and rebuffed Ellis's defense, stating it lacked merit and evidence. Previously, in January 2026, the same judge had fined Ellis's attorney $1,500 for violating court orders by questioning Cardi B about alleged gang ties during the trial, despite such lines of questioning being barred.

Ellis had sued Cardi B in 2020, alleging she was assaulted by the rapper in 2018 outside a Beverly Hills gynecologist's office. The jury, however, took less than an hour to dismiss all of Ellis's claims. Cardi B, who is currently on her 'Little Miss Drama Tour,' had previously stated her intention to countersue for frivolous lawsuits.