In a dramatic conclusion to a closely-watched legal battle, Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B has been acquitted of assaulting a female security guard at a Hollywood party in 2022. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday in a Los Angeles courtroom, bringing an end to a case that had threatened the artist's career and freedom.
The jury, after a brief deliberation, found the 32-year-old artist not guilty on one count of misdemeanour assault. The charge carried a potential sentence of up to six months in jail if convicted.
The incident was alleged to have occurred at the annual Hollywood Unlocked party at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Prosecutors claimed Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, became enraged and threw a microphone stand at a security guard who was escorting her friend out of the event.
Throughout the trial, the defence team argued that their client's actions were a case of mistaken identity and self-defence. They painted a picture of a chaotic environment where the rapper was trying to protect her friend from what she perceived as an aggressive ejection.
Upon hearing the verdict, Cardi B broke down in tears of relief, embracing her legal team. The outcome represents a significant legal victory for the artist, who has faced previous legal challenges.
This acquittal allows Cardi B to continue her highly successful music career without the shadow of a criminal conviction or potential incarceration. The case has been closely followed by fans and media outlets worldwide, highlighting the intense scrutiny facing celebrity figures in their personal and professional lives.
