Cardi B was in court for a civil lawsuit filed by a former security guard, Emani Ellis, who accused the rapper of assault during a 2018 incident in a Beverly Hills medical office hallway. Ellis alleged that Cardi B physically assaulted her by hitting, scratching her face with a fingernail, spitting on her, and using racial slurs. Cardi B denied these claims, testifying that Ellis was recording her with a phone and following her, which led to a verbal altercation but no physical assault. The lawsuit demanded $24 million in damages. After a trial, Cardi B was cleared by the jury and found not liable for the alleged assault.
Details of the Allegations
- The alleged incident happened in 2018 when Cardi B was four months pregnant with her first child.
- Ellis claimed Cardi B assaulted her in the corridor of the obstetrician's office, including cutting her cheek with a long fingernail and spitting on her.
- Ellis also alleged Cardi B used her celebrity status to get Ellis fired and was involved in destruction of video evidence.
Cardi B's Testimony and Trial Outcome
- Cardi B testified that Ellis was invading her personal space and recording her without consent, which made her defensive.
- She firmly denied touching Ellis and stated the confrontation was verbal.
- Testimony from Cardi B's doctor and receptionist supported her account, with no witness observing any physical fight or injuries on Ellis.
- The jury cleared Cardi B, dismissing the $24 million lawsuit.
This case attracted much public and media attention partly due to Cardi B’s courtroom demeanor, her expressive testimony, and the video snippets that circulated online during the trial.
