Six months after a jury unanimously ruled in favor of Cardi B, a judge has determined that the security guard who filed the lawsuit must now cover the rapper’s legal costs.
The ruling stems from a civil case in which Emani Ellis accused Cardi B of assault. The jury rejected those claims and returned a unanimous verdict in favor of the rapper after a short deliberation. On Thursday, the court ruled that Cardi B is entitled to recover $19,690 in trial-related expenses. These costs include deposition fees, court reporter services, and photocopying expenses that were part of preparing her legal defense.
Ellis attempted to challenge the reimbursement request. She argued that the filing was untimely and described the submitted costs as “a sham.” However, the judge reviewed the request and determined that the costs were filed within the proper timeframe and were necessary to the defense. The court ultimately adopted the tentative ruling, confirming that the full amount must be paid to Cardi B.
Court Rejects Claims Of Bad Faith And Upholds Cardi B’s Legal Cost Request
In earlier filings submitted in November, Ellis and her attorney, Ron A. Rosen Janfaza, argued that Cardi B should not receive reimbursement. They claimed the rapper “proceeded in bad faith and should not be rewarded.”
In response, attorneys for Cardi B disputed those claims. They stated that all filings followed proper legal procedures. They also described the accusations of bad faith and missed deadlines as “meritless if not patently frivolous.”
The judge agreed with Cardi B’s legal team. The court found no evidence supporting the claims made by Ellis and her attorney. As a result, the request to deny the reimbursement was rejected. Following the hearing, Ellis’ attorney addressed the outcome, stating: “My client doesn’t want me to submit, but we’re going to just let it be.”
The court then finalized the decision. The ruling confirmed that the nearly $20,000 in legal costs was both reasonable and necessary.
Judge Previously Ruled Against Security Guard In Multiple Decisions
This latest decision adds to a series of rulings that have favored Cardi B throughout the case.
After the jury returned its verdict, Los Angeles County Judge Ian C. Fusselman denied Ellis’ request for a new trial in December.
In January, the same judge issued additional sanctions against Ellis’ attorney. The court fined Janfaza $1,500 after he asked Cardi B about alleged “gang affiliation” during testimony.
According to the court, that line of questioning violated a pretrial order. The judge had already ruled that references to alleged prior incidents or affiliations were not relevant to the case and could unfairly influence the jury.
In a January 29 ruling, Judge Fusselman stated that the question was a “knowing and intentional” violation of the court’s order. Janfaza later argued that he was sleep-deprived at the time of questioning. However, the judge rejected that explanation. He ordered the attorney to report the sanction to the State Bar within 30 days and to pay the fine.
Jury Found No Evidence Supporting Assault Claims Against Cardi B
At trial, jurors were asked to determine whether Cardi B assaulted Ellis during a February 2018 incident outside a Beverly Hills medical office. Ellis claimed that Cardi B scratched her face during the encounter. However, the jury found that Ellis failed to prove those allegations.
Cardi B testified that there was no physical contact. She described the situation as a verbal confrontation that occurred after she believed Ellis was filming her while she was pregnant and visiting an obstetrician.
Two defense witnesses supported Cardi B’s account. Both the doctor and a receptionist testified that Ellis appeared to be the aggressor in the situation.
After reviewing all evidence, the jury reached a unanimous verdict in favor of Cardi B in approximately one hour.
The court’s decision requires Emani Ellis to pay $19,690 to cover Cardi B’s legal costs related to the trial. These expenses reflect standard litigation fees, including depositions, reporting services, and document preparation.
The ruling reinforces the earlier jury verdict and subsequent court decisions that have consistently favored Cardi B throughout the legal process.
Additionally, the court’s findings clarify that the legal cost request was properly filed and justified based on the defense presented during trial.
For Ellis and her legal team, the decision concludes another phase of the case with financial consequences tied directly to the unsuccessful claims.
For Cardi B, the ruling represents a continuation of favorable outcomes following the initial verdict.