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Cardi B Wins $20K in Trial Costs After Security Guard Lawsuit Defeat
Judge rules rapper can recover nearly $20,000 in legal fees after jury unanimously sided with her in civil trial
Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:21am
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Six months after a jury unanimously sided with Cardi B and rejected a security guard's assault claim, a judge ruled that the rapper can recover nearly $20,000 in trial costs. The security guard, Emani Ellis, had attempted to avoid paying the legal fees, arguing that Cardi B waited too long to seek reimbursement and that the submitted bill was 'a sham.' However, the judge determined the costs were both timely and 'necessary' to the defense presented.
Why it matters
This ruling is the latest in a series of legal victories for Cardi B, who has successfully defended herself against multiple lawsuits in recent years. The repeated rulings in her favor, coupled with sanctions against opposing counsel, demonstrate a strong legal strategy and a judge's adherence to established courtroom procedures.
The details
The initial trial centered on a February 2018 dispute that began when Cardi B believed Ellis was filming her while she was pregnant and visiting an obstetrician. Jurors found Ellis failed to prove Cardi B assaulted her, with Cardi B testifying there was no physical contact, only a verbal confrontation. Two defense witnesses, including a doctor and a receptionist, supported her account, stating Ellis appeared to be the aggressor.
- In September 2025, a jury unanimously sided with Cardi B in the civil trial, requiring only an hour of deliberation.
- In December 2025, Judge Ian C. Fusselman rejected Ellis's request for a new trial.
- In January 2026, Judge Fusselman fined Ellis's lawyer, Ron A. Rosen Janfaza, $1,500 for violating a pretrial order by questioning Cardi B about alleged 'gang affiliation' on the witness stand.
- On March 27, 2026, the judge ruled that Cardi B can recover nearly $20,000 in trial costs.
The players
Cardi B
An American rapper, songwriter, and television personality, whose real name is Belcalis Almánzar. She has successfully defended herself against multiple lawsuits in recent years.
Emani Ellis
A security guard who attempted to sue Cardi B for assault, but his claim was unanimously rejected by a jury.
Ron A. Rosen Janfaza
The lawyer representing Emani Ellis, who was fined $1,500 by the judge for violating a pretrial order.
Ian C. Fusselman
The Los Angeles County judge who presided over the trial and subsequent rulings in favor of Cardi B.
What they’re saying
“My client doesn't aim for me to submit, but we're going to just let it be.”
— Ron A. Rosen Janfaza, Lawyer for Emani Ellis
The takeaway
Cardi B's repeated legal victories, including the recovery of trial costs, demonstrate her strong legal strategy and the judge's adherence to established courtroom procedures. This pattern suggests a clear and consistent interpretation of the facts presented, reinforcing Cardi B's position and the merits of her defense.
