The ongoing civil trial involving Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B took a dramatic turn as former security guard Emani Ellis took the witness stand, offering a detailed account of an alleged confrontation that dates back to February 2018.
Ellis told the Los Angeles court that she recognised the rapper, who was four months pregnant at the time, while working at a Beverly Hills medical facility. Her casual remark, “Wow, that’s Cardi B,” allegedly triggered an outburst from the star.
According to Ellis, Cardi B launched into a tirade of insults, body-shaming comments and racial slurs, before jabbing a finger in her face, spitting on her, and scratching her cheek with a fingernail. Ellis testified that the incident left her “super traumatised,” causing long-term effects including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and insomnia.
The security guard is seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Cardi B’s legal team, led by attorney Peter J. Anderson, challenged Ellis’s account during cross-examination. Anderson highlighted inconsistencies between Ellis’s testimony and her original incident report, particularly over whether the scratch was to her nose or cheek. He also pointed out that Ellis had her phone in hand during the altercation, contrary to her claim that she was not using it.
The defence further questioned the absence of immediate photographic evidence of injury and probed Ellis’s history of previous health complaints, suggesting that her trauma may not solely stem from the alleged incident.
The trial, which is being heard in phases, will first decide on liability before moving on to damages. Cardi B herself is expected to testify next, a moment likely to attract significant public and media attention.
