Cardi B Prevails in Civil Lawsuit Against Beverly Hills Security Guard
Cardi B has emerged victorious in a civil lawsuit brought against her by a Beverly Hills security guard, Emani Ellis, after a two-day testimony that was sometimes colorful and drew laughter from jurors. The lawsuit, which sought $24 million in damages, accused Cardi B of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress stemming from a confrontation in a hallway outside an obstetrician’s office.
Ellis claimed that Cardi B scratched her with a long nail extension, leaving a facial scar, during the altercation. However, jurors found Cardi B not liable on all counts after less than an hour of deliberations. Following the verdict, Cardi B expressed her relief and gratitude, stating, “I swear to God, I will say it on my deathbed, I did not touch that woman.”
Testimony and Evidence
Cardi B testified that she never touched, scratched, or spat at Ellis, who she believed was taking video of her with her cellphone. The rapper, who was four months pregnant at the time of the incident, claimed that Ellis was the aggressor and had cornered her in the hallway. Tierra Malcolm, a receptionist for Dr. David Finke, with whom Cardi B had an appointment that day, corroborated the rapper’s account, stating that she saw Ellis corner Cardi B and later got between them to intervene.
Dr. Finke also testified that he saw Ellis cause an injury to Malcolm’s forehead and hit her shoulder, but did not see Cardi B hit Ellis. The evidence presented in court, including testimony from multiple witnesses, ultimately led jurors to believe Cardi B’s version of events and reject Ellis’ claims of assault and battery.
Reaction and Aftermath
Cardi B’s attorney, Peter Anderson, argued that jurors needed to employ common sense to reject Ellis’ story and that the preponderance of evidence showed his client did nothing more than yell and curse, which is not a basis for a lawsuit. Ellis’ attorney, Ron Rosen Janfaza, had argued that Cardi B’s actions constituted an unwelcome touch and battery, but the jury ultimately disagreed.
The verdict brings an end to the four-day trial, which saw Cardi B take the stand to defend herself against the allegations. The rapper had missed her kids’ first day of school due to the trial and expressed her gratitude to the jurors, judge, and her lawyers for their role in the outcome. For more information on the case, visit Here
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