Cardi B’s Attorney Refutes Assault Claims as Trial Kicks Off

A civil trial began on Monday regarding claims that Cardi B assaulted a female security guard in a Beverly Hills medical facility seven years ago. Jurors were presented with contrasting narratives about the incident that allegedly took place.

The plaintiff, Emani Ellis, was the first to testify. She recounted her routine rounds on February 24, 2018, when she encountered the Grammy-winning rapper exiting an elevator outside an obstetrician’s office. Ellis stated that when she recognized Cardi B, she exclaimed, “Wow, that’s Cardi B,” which led to an intense confrontation.

Allegations Unfold

According to Ellis, Cardi B became visibly upset, accused her of recording the private medical visit, and got “in [her] face.” Ellis testified that Cardi B yelled obscenities, scratched her cheek with a long fingernail, and even spat on her. “I was deeply traumatized by what happened,” she asserted while on the witness stand.

Cross-Examination Insights

During cross-examination, Cardi B’s attorney, Peter Anderson, referenced an incident report submitted by Ellis two days after the alleged encounter. This report was said to contradict Ellis’s claim of not using her phone; it revealed that she was, in fact, pressing her cell phone to her ear. Ellis claimed she was checking her voicemail due to her mother’s illness.

Anderson further probed into discrepancies between Ellis’s testimony and the incident report. He highlighted that while Ellis initially stated she was scratched on her nose, her trial testimony claimed the injury was to her cheek. When challenged, Ellis explained, “She touched my nose, but she scratched my cheek.”

Context and Defense

Anderson outlined that Cardi B was in Los Angeles for a confidential appointment concerned about her pregnancy. He stated that when Cardi B overheard Ellis call her name while seemingly filming her, she felt threatened. He described Ellis, who allegedly weighed between 240-250 pounds, as presenting a physical danger during their confrontation.

He mentioned that a verbal altercation ensued, prompting bystanders to intervene, and claimed it was Ellis who posed the real threat. “Cardi feared for her unborn baby,” he remarked, asserting that the situation escalated quickly.

Further Developments in the Case

Cardi B, 32, is expected to testify in the trial soon. After leaving the courthouse, she took a moment to FaceTime with her 11-month-old daughter, Blossom. Ellis initially filed the lawsuit in February 2020, alleging a physical attack by Cardi B, but plans to drop her claims related to being fired.

A psychologist’s report filed earlier identified Ellis being almost touched in the face by Cardi B during the confrontation, describing it as a “screaming match.” While the defense acknowledges that Cardi B used strong language, they firmly deny any physical contact.

In a previous incident, Cardi B accepted a plea deal in September 2022 for two misdemeanor charges connected to a separate altercation in a strip club. She expressed a commitment to accountability, emphasizing the importance of setting a good example for her children.

How do you think this trial will unfold in the coming days? Share your thoughts!