Introduction to the Case
Cardi B has prevailed in a civil lawsuit brought against her by a Beverly Hills security guard after two days of testimony from the rapper that was sometimes colorful and drew laughter from jurors.
Background of the Lawsuit
Emani Ellis sued Cardi B for $24 million, accusing her of assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress in the aftermath of a confrontation in a hallway outside of an obstetrician’s office. Ellis claimed that, during the set-to, the rapper scratched her with a long nail extension, leaving a facial scar.
The Trial and Testimony
The hip-hop star was found not liable on all counts by jurors after less than an hour of deliberations. Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, testified that she never touched, scratched or spat at the security guard, who she believed was taking video of her with her cellphone. The rapper was four months pregnant and had an appointment on the day of the incident — Feb. 24, 2018.
Testimony of the Security Guard
Ellis worked as a security guard at the Beverly Hills building where Cardi B had her medical appointment, and she testified that she was doing her rounds when she saw the celebrity exit the elevator. She testified that she was overcome with excitement and declared, “Wow, it’s Cardi B.” Ellis alleged that the performer then turned to her and said, “Why the f— are you telling people you’ve seen me?” Cardi B then accused her of trying to spread news about her being at the doctor’s office, she testified during the four-day trial.
Allegations Against Cardi B
Ellis alleged that the performer cursed at her, used the N-word and other slurs, called her names, threatened her job, body-shamed her and mocked her career. She alleged Cardi B spat on her, took a swing at her and scratched her left cheek with a 2- to 3-inch fingernail.
Cardi B’s Version of Events
But jurors believed Cardi B’s version of events, which was that Ellis was the aggressor. The rapper blasted the plaintiff in an Alhambra courtroom, saying she was looking for a payout. Cardi B said the pair went chest-to-chest and exchanged angry words but nothing more.
Testimony from Other Witnesses
Tierra Malcolm, a receptionist for Dr. David Finke, with whom Cardi B had an appointment that day, told jurors that she saw Ellis corner the celebrity. The receptionist said she then got between them, and the guard reached for the rapper. Malcolm said she ended up with a cut on her own forehead. Finke testified that he saw the guard cause that injury and also hit the receptionist’s shoulder. He further said that Ellis had no injuries. Both testified they never saw Cardi B hit Ellis.
Closing Arguments
During closing arguments on Tuesday, Ellis’ attorney, Ron Rosen Janfaza, told jurors, “Cardi B needs to be held accountable.” “There was no video camera … so really it comes down to one thing — do you believe, Ms. Ellis, a guard with a good record? She is a model citizen,” he told jurors. Cardis B’s attorney, Peter Anderson, said jurors needed to employ common sense to reject the security guard’s story and that the preponderance of evidence showed his client did nothing more than yell and curse, and “that isn’t something you can sue over.”
Conclusion
In the end, the jury found Cardi B not liable on all counts, bringing an end to the civil lawsuit. Cardi B expressed her gratitude to the jurors, her lawyers, and the judge, stating that she was relieved the trial was over and that she could now focus on her family and career.
FAQs
Q: What was the lawsuit about?
A: The lawsuit was about a confrontation between Cardi B and a security guard, Emani Ellis, in a hallway outside of an obstetrician’s office. Ellis accused Cardi B of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Q: How much was Cardi B being sued for?
A: Cardi B was being sued for $24 million.
Q: What was the outcome of the trial?
A: The jury found Cardi B not liable on all counts.
Q: What was Cardi B’s version of events?
A: Cardi B testified that she never touched, scratched or spat at the security guard, and that Ellis was the aggressor.
Q: What did other witnesses testify to?
A: Other witnesses, including a receptionist and a doctor, testified that they saw Ellis corner Cardi B and that the guard reached for the rapper, but they never saw Cardi B hit Ellis.
