Cardi B Prevails in Assault Lawsuit: Court Denies New Trial for Security Guard

Cardi B, the Grammy-winning rapper born Belcalis Almánzar, has successfully defended herself against an assault lawsuit filed by Emani Ellis, a security guard. The case stemmed from a February 2018 incident outside a Beverly Hills doctor's office, where Ellis alleged that Cardi scratched her face with an acrylic nail during a confrontation. On December 5, 2023, Los Angeles County Judge Ian Fusselman denied Ellis's request for a new trial, affirming the jury's unanimous verdict from September 2, 2023, which found that Ellis failed to prove her claims.

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The altercation occurred when Ellis purportedly filmed Cardi outside the obstetrician's office while the rapper was four months pregnant. Cardi testified that she never physically touched Ellis, asserting that the confrontation was purely verbal. During the trial, Cardi described Ellis as the aggressor, stating, “She didn’t hit me. I didn’t hit her. There was no touch.” The jury deliberated for less than an hour before siding with Cardi.

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Judge Fusselman dismissed Ellis's claims that jurors were intimidated by Cardi's behavior during the trial, specifically referencing an incident where she threw a pen in response to a reporter's questions. The judge noted that the jurors were attentive and based their decision solely on the evidence presented. He stated, “I don’t find anything outside the courtroom had any impact on the jury’s deliberations.” Furthermore, he rejected Ellis's argument regarding late disclosure of eyewitnesses, emphasizing that the jurors were not misled.

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Ellis's attorney, Ron Rosen Janfaza, faced scrutiny for his conduct during the trial. Judge Fusselman indicated plans to sanction him for repeatedly making unsubstantiated claims about Ellis's treatment by a psychologist, which had not been supported by evidence. Additionally, the judge noted that Ellis had attempted to enlist the medical office receptionist as a witness for her case, raising questions about the integrity of her claims.

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Following the ruling, Cardi B expressed her determination to fight against what she termed “frivolous” lawsuits, emphasizing her commitment to protecting her hard-earned money. “I work hard for my money for my kids and for people I take care of, so don’t you ever think that you gonna sue me, and I’m just gonna settle and just give you my money,” she stated.

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The court has yet to address the potential sanctions against Ellis's attorney for his trial conduct. Judge Fusselman may issue a ruling on this matter in the coming weeks, which could further impact the legal landscape surrounding this case.

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• “I don’t find anything outside the courtroom had any impact on the jury’s deliberations,” he said.” — Judge Ian Fusselman

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• “I work hard for my money for my kids and for people I take care of, so don’t you ever think that you gonna sue me, and I’m just gonna settle and just give you my money,” — Cardi B

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This case highlights the complexities of celebrity legal battles and the judicial system's role in adjudicating claims of assault and misconduct.

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