Cardi B gets major win in court after lawyer asked about her 'gang affiliation' during trial
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: Court TV
Months after she appeared in court on accusations of assault, Cardi B has had a major win after a lawyer asked her about alleged gang affiliations.
Back in August 2025, Cardi was in court after being sued by Emani Ellis, the security guard who claimed the 33-year-old assaulted her outside a Beverly Hills medical office in 2018.
She claimed the rapper's nail cut her face and that she was spat on during the altercation.
Ellis sued Cardi — real name Belcalis Almànzar — in 2020 on assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress grounds, on top of negligence and false imprisonment.
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A Los Angeles jury ultimately found Cardi not liable and she would not have to pay any of the damages.
The 'I Like It' hitmaker always denied any wrongdoing.
Before the trial had got underway, Los Angeles County Judge Ian C. Fusselman asked attorneys not to ask about alleged past acts, including 'former association with a gang or gang members during her youth' as it would be 'unduly prejudicial'.
Nonetheless, Ellis' lawyer, Ron A. Rosen Janfaza, said to Cardi during the civil trial: "Do you have any affiliation at this time with a gang?"
The singer's attorney quickly objected, while the judge reminded Janfaza of the guidance.
Now, as per court documents seen by Rolling Stone, Ellis' representative has been handed a $1,500 fine for posing the question. The attorney must pay up by February 27 as well as self-report the sanctions order to the California State Bar within 30 days, according to the outlet.
In September 2025, Cardi spoke to press outside the court after she was cleared of any wrongdoing.
"I did not touch that woman. With that being said, this time around, I'm gonna be nice. The next time someone tries to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I'm going to countersue. I’m going to make you pay, because this is not okay," she said.
"I think people have this misinterpretation of celebrities, that like, 'Oh well, we can ask for this and they're going to settle.' You don't work at home, and you don't work all day, and you don't work for your money to give out your money.
"So don't ever think I'm just gonna give you my money that I work hard for. I don't lay in bed all day. I work all day, and I work hard for my money for my kids and for people I take care of."