Cardi B Trial: Were Closing Arguments About a ‘Battered’ Guard Justified?

## Courtroom Drama Between Cardi B and Security Guard

Cardi B recently found herself in a California courtroom, facing off against a female security guard, Emani Ellis, who is suing her for an alleged assault that took place seven years ago. The lawyers on both sides presented contrasting narratives about the incident that occurred within a Beverly Hills medical building.

### The Claims Against Cardi B

Emani Ellis’s lawyer described how his client was completing her routine patrol when Cardi B exited an elevator on February 24, 2018. According to the lawyer, the rapper acted as though she was “above the law,” resulting in Ellis sustaining a scratch on her left cheek from Cardi’s long fingernail.

In contrast, Cardi B’s legal team argued that Ellis was not just a security guard but a fan who knew about the rapper’s visit that day. Defense attorney Peterson Anderson claimed Ellis was waiting to capture footage of Cardi B, stating, “You can infer that she was actually lying in wait.”

### Evidence and Testimonies

Anderson questioned Ellis’s professionalism, indicating that she had ample opportunity to avoid the confrontation by putting away her phone. He noted that Ellis kept her phone up while advancing towards Cardi B, further complicating her claims.

Witnesses, including an obstetrician and a receptionist, corroborated that they heard the disturbance and saw Ellis still holding her phone throughout the exchange. Anderson also pointed out that Cardi B was four months pregnant at the time and felt her privacy was at stake as she navigated this encounter.

### Cardi B’s Defense and Counterclaims

During two days of testimony, Cardi B asserted that she never touched Ellis and described Ellis as the aggressor, stating they had merely engaged in a “verbal altercation.” Her comments, which sparked a wave of attention, reinforced her stance that no physical confrontation had occurred.

Peterson highlighted that Ellis’s actions, including not seeking immediate medical help or filing a police report, were signs that her claims lacked merit. He even detailed how she allegedly declared that the scratch ruined her life, yet followed that with a nap after the incident.

### Final Arguments

In closing statements, Ellis’s lawyer demanded compensation for medical expenses and emotional distress, alleging that Ellis was “abused” and harmed by Cardi B. The lawsuit may have arisen from a broader series of accusations against the rapper, as Ellis had initially claimed to have suffered severe harm during the alleged attack.

### The Ongoing Saga

Ellis had previously filed a lawsuit against Cardi B in February 2020, claiming the rapper not only assaulted her but also used her fame to get her fired. As the case progressed, the focus shifted solely to the alleged physical altercation.

On the witness stand, Ellis maintained that she was simply performing routine duties when she confronted Cardi B. She insisted that she never intended to record the artist, despite a claim that Cardi B scratched her during their confrontation.

Meanwhile, Cardi B testified that the encounter became increasingly tense, with Ellis allegedly following her down a hallway despite being called out for recording. The situation escalated to a heated argument, according to Cardi B, though she consistently denied any form of physical contact.

### Witness Statements

During the trial, the testimonies of both the receptionist and doctor further supported Cardi B’s claims, with both describing Ellis as aggressive. The doctor noted that he observed Ellis in a passionate confrontation, where she even struck the receptionist during the argument.

The ongoing saga has caught public interest, especially with Cardi B’s upcoming album, *Am I the Drama?*, set to be released soon. This is not the first legal battle for the Grammy-winning artist, as she has successfully navigated various civil trials in the past.

As the courtroom drama continues, how do you see things unfolding for Cardi B and Emani Ellis?