The long-awaited civil assault trial against Cardi B officially opened Monday, with former Beverly Hills security guard Emani Ellis delivering emotional testimony about an alleged confrontation with the Grammy-winning rapper in 2018.
Ellis, who is suing Cardi B for assault and related damages, described a violent and humiliating encounter that she says left her with lasting emotional scars. The incident allegedly occurred on February 24, 2018, when Cardi—then four months pregnant and visiting her obstetrician’s office—crossed paths with Ellis in the building where she worked security.
According to Ellis’ account, tensions escalated after she greeted the rapper in an elevator. “After she heard me say her name, she turned back around, and the first thing out her mouth was, excuse my language, ‘Why the [expletive] are you telling people that you seen me?’” Ellis told the court, firmly denying that she had disclosed Cardi’s private visit to anyone.
Ellis went on to testify that Cardi B jabbed a finger in her face and launched into a barrage of profanity, racial slurs, and body-shaming insults. Breaking down at one point, Ellis described the encounter as “super traumatizing,” adding that the rapper allegedly spat on her and left her with a facial cut from her fingernails.
The plaintiff testified that the incident triggered a spiral of anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, and struggles with body image. “She was like, ‘[Expletive] you, you fat-ass [expletive], I’m gonna beat your a**, I’m gonna get you fired, [racial slur], that’s why you do security,’” Ellis recalled.
But Cardi B’s attorney, Peter J. Anderson, sought to poke holes in Ellis’ story during cross-examination. He pressed her on inconsistencies in her testimony, particularly about whether her cut was on her nose or cheek, and raised questions about the absence of photographs taken immediately after the alleged attack. He also highlighted Ellis’ involvement in other lawsuits stemming from unrelated car accidents, suggesting a pattern of litigation.
Jurors, permitted to ask questions directly, focused on whether building security cameras captured the altercation and the timing of photos documenting Ellis’ injuries.
Ellis acknowledged that she didn’t file the lawsuit until 2020, saying she initially had no plans to pursue legal action against Cardi. “I was overwhelmed, and I didn’t know what to do,” she explained.
Since being fired from her security position, Ellis has taken on a new career as a social worker assisting low-income families, which she says provides better pay and stability.
As the trial moves forward, Cardi B—born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar—is expected to testify on Tuesday (August 26), a moment likely to draw significant attention as the hip-hop superstar responds directly to the claims made against her.
Source: Court TV
