Cardi B Secures Major Legal Victories Before Security Guard Assault Trial

## Cardi B’s Legal Update

A judge made several important decisions favoring Cardi B on Wednesday as the Grammy-winning artist approaches a trial next month. This trial revolves around allegations that she assaulted a security guard at a Beverly Hills medical facility back in 2018. Cardi claims that the guard, Emani Ellis, instigated the situation by attempting to film her while she was pregnant, prior to her public announcement of her first child with Offset of Migos.

### Key Rulings from the Judge

During the extensive hearing, a Los Angeles County judge agreed to Cardi’s request to divide the trial into two segments. He also ruled that any discussions regarding her financial matters would only be introduced if she is found liable in the first part. Furthermore, the judge prohibited references to “prior bad acts” at the trial, which is set to commence on August 11 in Alhambra, California.

Cardi, whose full name is Belcalis Almánzar, argued in her legal documents that any mention of her past “alleged altercations, police reports, obscenities, drug-related issues, gang ties, or exotic dancing” would unduly bias the jury. The judge concurred with her position.

### Limitations on Cross-Examination

Ellis’ attorney, Ron Rosen Janfaza, inquired whether the ruling prevented him from even vaguely alluding to Almánzar’s past actions. The judge clarified that such questions would not be permissible. Judge Ian C. Fusselman noted that Cardi would need to bring up her past if she wished to have it discussed.

“If she claims she’s never struck anyone and you have credible evidence to the contrary, then you can introduce that,” the judge mentioned. “However, you can’t compel her to disclose past incidents.”

## Rulings on Witnesses and Evidence

In his rulings, the judge stated that references to Almánzar’s previous actions “carry no significant informative value,” and allowing such mentions could confuse the jury, thereby wasting time. He also granted Cardi’s motions to exclude testimonies from a former police officer and a psychologist, disagreeing with the necessity of their appearances.

“It doesn’t matter if a crime was committed; we’re dealing with civil assault here,” the judge stated, emphasizing that jury instructions would clarify applicable laws.

### Allegations Against Cardi B

In her lawsuit filed in early 2020, Ellis claimed that Cardi physically attacked her on February 24, 2018. She alleged that the rapper struck her several times, spat at her, hurled racial slurs, and even had a hand in getting her dismissed from her job. Furthermore, she contended that Cardi’s long nails inflicted cuts on her face, necessitating plastic surgery.

On Wednesday, one of Cardi’s attorneys, Peter Anderson, revealed that they plan to present an eyewitness who reportedly saw Ellis trying to strike Cardi.

## Trial Preparation and Future Steps

Anderson also mentioned that Ellis, during her deposition, admitted to taking “aspirin for headaches” regularly since the incident. He described her testimony as significant in seeking to exclude another doctor who started seeing Ellis just one week prior.

Almánzar, 32, intends to testify in the trial, although her participation may depend on possible scheduling conflicts. Her new album, *Am I the Drama?*, is scheduled for release on September 19. Additionally, she has three young children—Kulture, 7; Wave, 3; and Blossom, 7 months.

Aligned with Anderson, Almánzar’s legal team features Lisa Fortune Moore, a prominent trial lawyer known for assisting Cardi in multiple successful cases.

In September 2022, Almánzar accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty to misdemeanors linked to a 2018 incident at a Queens strip club. She acknowledged the importance of accountability, especially as a mother, emphasizing that past actions do not define her current self.

What are your thoughts on the unfolding events surrounding Cardi B?