Cardi B Assault Trial: Guard's Shocking Claims

Cardi B Assault Trial

In a Los Angeles courtroom that has become the latest stage for celebrity drama, Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B is defending herself against serious allegations from a chaotic incident seven years ago. The civil trial, which began this week, centers on claims by former security guard Emani Ellis that Cardi assaulted her during a routine visit to a Beverly Hills OB-GYN office in February 2018, when the "WAP" artist was four months pregnant with her daughter, Kulture. What started as a private medical appointment reportedly escalated into a heated confrontation, leaving Ellis with physical and emotional scars she now seeks justice for through a lawsuit alleging assault, battery, and more.

Ellis took the stand on Monday, August 25, 2025, painting a detailed picture of the incident. Working as a security guard in the medical building on Wilshire Boulevard, she testified that she recognized Cardi (real name Belcalis Almánzar) and approached her with her phone in hand. She insists it was not to record but simply part of her job.

However, Cardi reportedly misunderstood the situation, exploding in anger over fears her pregnancy would be made public. "After she heard me say her name, she turned back around and the first thing out of her mouth was … ‘Why the f–k you telling people that you see me?’" Ellis recounted, describing how she tried to calm the situation but was met with increasing aggression.

Ellis claims that the altercation escalated quickly, turning physical and verbal. She says Cardi spat on her, hurled racist insults, including calling her a "dumb Black b****," mocked her weight and called her "fat," and even tried to punch her, though the swing missed. The most damaging allegation is that Cardi allegedly slashed Ellis's left cheek with a three-inch fingernail, leaving a deep cut that required stitches and later plastic surgery to minimize scarring. Ellis also says Cardi threatened to get her fired and belittled her job, adding to the humiliation she faced. A surgeon who treated Ellis testified about the injury, confirming the visible scar and the need for corrective procedures.

But Cardi B, who testified on Tuesday, August 26, presents a very different version of events, highlighting that no physical contact took place. The 32-year-old Bronx native admitted to a "verbal argument" but strongly denied touching, scratching, or spitting on Ellis. Instead, Cardi claimed Ellis was the aggressor, following her around the building and trying to film her during a sensitive time when she was hiding her pregnancy. "I cursed her out," Cardi acknowledged in court, but maintained the dispute was only verbal, driven by frustration and privacy concerns. Her defense team has pointed out inconsistencies in Ellis's story over time, suggesting the lawsuit filed in 2019 may be motivated by more than just seeking accountability.

This isn't Cardi's first run-in with legal issues; she's navigated past cases like a 2018 strip club brawl that resulted in misdemeanor charges (which she settled with community service). However, this civil lawsuit, seeking unspecified damages, highlights the intense scrutiny that comes with fame, especially for a star like Cardi, who has built her brand on unapologetic authenticity while balancing motherhood, music, and public disputes. Currently, the trial is ongoing, with more witnesses expected, including possibly Cardi's Offset, who was at the scene during the incident. Cardi's representatives have not issued a public statement outside of court, allowing the legal process to unfold.

At its core, this case highlights broader themes: the tension between celebrity privacy and everyday interactions, the significance of allegations in the #MeToo era, and how power can shift unexpectedly. For Ellis, it's about healing from trauma and holding someone accountable; for Cardi, it's about defending her reputation against what she sees as exaggerated claims. As the jury deliberates in the coming days, one thing's clear: fame amplifies every misstep, but it also calls for seeking the full truth. If you're following along, remember: in high-profile trials like this, perspectives matter, and rushing to judgment rarely serves justice. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.