LOS ANGELES (Court TV) — In a complete and total victory for Cardi B, a jury has rejected all claims in a civil lawsuit filed by a security guard who said the rapper attacked her.
Cardi B testifies in her civil assault trial Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. (Court TV)
Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, was accused of assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and false imprisonment in a lawsuit filed by Emani Ellis that stems from a 2018 incident.
MORE | Cardi B testifies in her civil assault trial
On February 24, 2018, Cardi B went to a private appointment with her obstetrician at a doctor’s office in Beverly Hills. At the time, the rapper was approximately four months pregnant with her first child and was keeping the news of her pregnancy private and out of the tabloids.
In 2020, Ellis was working security in the building housing the doctor’s office. She said Cardi B attacked her, unprovoked, during that visit. In her suit, Ellis claimed that Cardi B “violently, unlawfully, intentionally, suddenly and maliciously” hit her head, face, and body, leaving her with physical and emotional damages. Ellis also claimed that Cardi B spat on her and used multiple profanities and racial slurs. Cardi B’s security guard, identified as “Doe 1” in the lawsuit, was also accused of attacking Ellis.
Ellis’ lawsuit additionally accused Cardi B of working with unnamed people to have all recorded footage of the incident erased.
Plaintiff Emani Ellis testifies in the civil assault trial against Cardi B. (Court TV)
In a filing responding to the lawsuit, Cardi B claimed Ellis was on her personal phone and loudly announced she had just seen the rapper and appeared to be trying to record video of her. Cardi B said she asked Ellis not to say anything to anyone, but “rather than take steps to deescalate the situation, Plaintiff aggressively approached [Cardi B] and engaged her in a profanity-laced screaming match.”
Cardi B’s attorneys argued there was no physical contact between the two women during the incident, which they estimated to have lasted between 60 and 90 seconds.
Ellis’ suit was seeking medical expenses, damages for loss of past and future earnings, punitive damages, and a civil penalty of $25,000.
DAILY TRIAL UPDATES
DAY 4 – 9/2/25
- LIVESTREAM: Cardi B Assault Trial – Day 4 | Emani Ellis v. Belcalis Almánzar
- Plaintiff’s closing argument, delivered by Ron A. Rosen Janfaza
- Janfaza told jurors that Ellis, now 32, deserves compensation for medical bills, emotional distress and future treatment related to a facial scar she says Cardi B caused with her fingernails.
- Janfaza told jurors that just because Cardi B is a “celebrity,” it “doesn’t mean she can just say and do whatever she wants and attack people.”
- Argued that Ellis, who worked as a security guard for four years, lost her future in security work because of trauma from the alleged incident.
- He described the alleged confrontation, saying Cardi B became angry when she thought Ellis was recording her on a phone, despite Ellis repeatedly saying she was not recording and was simply doing her job.
- Janfaza criticized Cardi B’s testimony, saying her use of profanity was disrespectful to the court.
- Janfaza emphasized that Ellis’s goal in pursuing the lawsuit was to achieve closure and move forward with her life.
- Defense Closing Argument, Peter J. Anderson
- Anderson argued plaintiff failed to prove Cardi caused any injury.
- Emphasized uncorroborated testimony, no physical evidence, and alternatives for the alleged scar’s cause (car accident, not Cardi).
- Argued profanity, arguing, and yelling aren’t actionable offenses.
- Cardi’s actions were justified; independent witnesses supported the defense.
- Plaintiff’s own incident report apologized for misconduct and did not mention a bleeding injury.
- Courtroom Incident: Plaintiff’s attorney complained Cardi B threw something at a reporter and stared at the plaintiff’s family; judge did not witness the incidents but noted extra security present.
- Plaintiff’s Rebuttal Argument, Ron A. Rosen Janfaza
- Asserted incident report and plaintiff’s testimony support claims of assault and battery (spitting, finger in face).
- Claimed defense’s arguments distract from truth.
- Accused Cardi of emotional harm, and asked jury to weigh credibility of direct witnesses.
- Alleged overwhelming evidence of assault and battery.
- VERDICT: Jury unanimously found for Cardi B, rejecting all claims.
DAY 3 – 8/27/25
- LIVESTREAM: Cardi B Assault Trial – Day 3 | Emani Ellis v. Belcalis Almánzar
- MORE: Biggest moments from Cardi B’s assault trial ahead of closings
- Cardi B returned to the stand to continue her testimony, where she conceded that she came “chest-to-chest” with Ellis but denied any physical altercation took place.
- Cardi B said they had a verbal altercation, but denied ever assaulting or scratching Ellis. She said her nails were in a “coffin-style” at the time with flat rhinestones that would not have been dangerous or able to scratch anyone.
- Cardi B said she was pregnant at the time with her first child and viewed herself as “disabled” and unable to fight back.
- After 45-50 seconds of a verbal altercation, Cardi B said a receptionist came out to intervene and then Dr. Finke came out also. The doctor sent her into his office, which ended the confrontation.
- Cardi acknowledged exchanging words with Ellis on social media after the incident.
- WATCH: Cardi B: Me and Emani Ellis Were ‘Chest-to-Chest’ but No Physical Incident
- Tierra Malcom, the receptionist at the doctor’s office, was called to the stand as a defense witness out of order.
- Malcolm said the practice had intentionally closed early to allow Cardi B to come in while maintaining her privacy.
- When she heard the commotion, she immediately walked over and got in between them and tried to calm the situation down.
- Malcolm said she got a scratch on her forehead from Ellis, and Ellis had been cursing at Cardi B. She said she saw no injuries, cuts or blood on Ellis, nor did she see evidence that anyone spat on her.
- Cardi B returned to the stand to begin her cross-examination.
- She said she wanted to keep her pregnancy a secret at the time because she had just put out a hit record and her career was just beginning to take off.
- Cardi B denied ever spitting on Ellis and said she did not use any racial slurs.
- Explained presence in LA for NBA All Star Weekend promotions, including game attendance.
- Hair/nail details corroborated with photos from NBA event (ash-dirty blonde hair, inch-long acrylic nails with flat rhinestones).
- Asserted same nails worn all week including date of alleged incident.
- Denied nails were sharp.
- Disputed having three-inch nails on date of incident.
- James E. Rosenberg, M.D. (Psychiatrist) evaluated Ellis for emotional injury in July 2023 during a six-hour session).
- Found no significant evidence of emotional injury related to incident.
- Psych tests showed “extraordinarily high” scores inconsistent with actual psychiatric disorders (e.g. PTSD, paranoia); Scores suggested fabrication or exaggeration of symptoms.
- Cited major inconsistencies in plaintiff’s self-reported trauma history (different accounts in interview vs. deposition).
- Compared real-life functioning and travel (Las Vegas, Hawaii, Mexico) to alleged disabling psychiatric symptoms.
- On cross, her admitted majority of work typically for defendants, but recently balanced with plaintiff work.
- Did not evaluate Cardi B; inappropriate since she did not claim psychiatric injury.
- Used some but not all medical records in opinion.
- Did not diagnose malingering; cannot rule out mild unrelated emotional issues.
- Reiterated incident is a “stressor,” not a trauma.
- Dr. David Finke (Gynecologist) delivered his recollection of the Feb. 2018 incident.
- Heard yelling outside office; security guard (Ms. Ellis) involved.
- Receptionist “struck” (not hard) and sustained minor cut.
- Witnessed yelling, finger-pointing, some swatting of arms.
- Did not see scratches, cuts, or spit on Ms. Ellis’ face; no injury observed.
- Did not see Cardi B hit or swing at Ms. Ellis; did not hear specific insults.
- Saw Ms. Ellis hit receptionist.
- Described intense yelling from both sides.
- Clarified that he was NOT being paid or subpoenaed for his testimony.
- Apologized to Cardi B after the incident; noted she was calm, did not complain.
- Testified to credibility of his recollection and office staff’s memory.
- Did not see three-inch nails on Cardi B that day; corroborated by habit of noticing nail trends.
DAY 2 – 8/26/25
- LIVESTREAM: Cardi B Assault Trial – Day 2 | Emani Ellis v. Belcalis Almánzar
- Cardi B, on the stand, denied any physical contact with Emani Ellis; described the incident as strictly verbal.
- WATCH: No Hands, Just Words: Cardi B Testifies, Fires Back at Assault Claims
- Described appearance: hoodie, wig, one-inch rounded acrylic nails (not sharp).
- Recalled Ellis waiting outside the elevator and following Cardi, allegedly filming her on her phone.
- Cardi questioned Ellis about recording; said she felt her privacy was invaded.
- Claimed heated words were exchanged but insisted neither party touched the other.
- Denied spitting, racial slurs, or swinging at Ellis.
- Explained she didn’t want her security guard involved in medical matters; guard remained in the lobby.
- Said receptionist and doctor witnessed the argument and helped intervene.
- WATCH: Cardi B Testifies ‘I Didn’t Touch Her’ in Civil Assault Trial
- Cardi repeatedly requested surveillance footage but none was available.
- Asserted Ellis was acting aggressively and not as a typical security guard.
- Admitted feeling threatened momentarily but the situation quickly diffused.
- Maintained nails were not sharp and she avoids styles that could cause injury.
- Court was marked by frequent objections over questioning and procedural issues.
- MORE: Cardi B testifies in her civil assault trial
- Dr. Brent Moelleken (Plastic Surgeon) treated Emani Ellis for scars on her left cheek, allegedly from fingernail scratches.
- First examined Ellis in Nov. 2022, nearly 4 years after the incident.
- Saw three vertical, parallel marks; described them as highly suggestive of fingernail injury.
- Performed two procedures to reduce scarring and hypersensitivity, with some improvement.
- Noted scarring still present; future microneedling might help further.
- Charges for Ellis’s treatments totaled $17,500 (paid on a lien basis depending on case outcome).
- Emphasized that photographs may not fully show the scars; best assessed in-person.
- Confirmed Ellis reported continuing pain and sensitivity in affected area.
- Leanne Shmidt (Ellis’s Mother) testified that Ellis showed more anxiety, depression, and noticeable scar after the alleged incident.
- Ellis called her immediately afterward, crying and upset, reporting scratches and spitting.
- Mom described Ellis as generally peaceful and compassionate.
- Dianne Shmidt (Ellis’s Grandmother) recalled that Ellis called her right after the incident, described being humiliated and crying. Believes Ellis’s account based on seeing the scar herself.
- Dr. Nichole McKenzie (Psychologist) saw Ellis for emotional distress after the incident; reported patient’s claims of verbal insult from Cardi B.
- No documentation of visible scar in her notes; relied on patient self-reports.
- Ellis reported headaches, anxiety, and psychological symptoms post-incident.
- Explained that her role was not to verify claims, but to record patient statements and symptoms.
DAY 1 – 8/25/25
- LIVESTREAM: Cardi B Assault Trial – Day 1 | Emani Ellis v. Belcalis Almánzar
- Attorneys for the Plaintiff and Defense delivered their opening statements.
- Plaintiff Emani Ellis’ attorney, Ron A. Rosen Janfaza, delivered his opening statement.
- Argued that Ellis was hurt by Cardi B, experienced trauma, and deserves respect.
- Made a case for emotional distress damages, and suggested that emotional distress doctors should testify if relevant.
- Cardi B’s defense attorney, Peter J. Anderson, delivered his opening statement.
- Challenged emotional distress claims, argued plaintiff changed her story.
- Asserted no emotional distress attributable to incident.
- Pointed to plaintiff’s alleged damaging admissions.
- Questioned authenticity and disclosure of records/witnesses.
- Presented Cardi B as loving, private, and unjustly accused.
- Plaintiff Emani Ellis, a former security guard, was the first witness to take the stand.
- Said she had actually been Cardi B prior to the incident, and even had tickets to one of her concerts, but did not attend after the encounter.
- Stated she was doing rounds on February 24, 2018, when she saw Cardi B exit an elevator.
- Said “wow, it’s Cardi B” out loud due to excitement.
- Claimed Cardi B turned around, allegedly said, “why the fuck are you telling people you seen me?” and accused Ellis of spreading news about her presence.
- Ellis said she tried to reassure Cardi B she wasn’t telling anyone, but Cardi B allegedly persisted and put her finger in Ellis’s face, used profanity and insults.
- Ellis described Cardi B’s fingernails as 2–3 inches long that day.
- Said Cardi B cursed at her, used the n-word and other slurs, called her names, threatened her job, body-shamed her, and mocked her career.
- Alleged Cardi B spat on her, took a swing at her, and scratched her left cheek with a fingernail.
- Said the incident was traumatizing, and Cardi B never apologized.
- At the time, did not intend to sue; did not immediately take photographs of her injury due to emotional distress.
- Said career path changed afterward: became a social worker, helping low-income families.
- Said she suffers from anxiety, depression, insomnia, and PTSD as a result of the incident.
- Sought psychological treatment post-incident.
- Ellis previously had no scar on her left cheek; after the incident, sought treatment/advice from doctors, including plastic surgeons and psychologists.
- On cross, the defense challenged Ellis’s recollection and consistency; questioned if Ellis used a phone to record Cardi B, which Ellis denied.
- Pointed out discrepancy: Ellis said scratch was on cheek, but referred to nose in incident reports and emails.
- Pressed Ellis about not using a band-aid, taking a nap after the incident, and lack of initial photographic evidence.
- Defense brought up prior car accidents (2021, 2023), previous psychological treatment, and worker’s comp filings.
- Asked about the absence of immediate medical reports showing scratches or blows to head/face (only appeared later in lawsuit context).
- Ellis saids she apologized to employer after being fired, but then got a better-paying job.
- Defense attempted to impeach Ellis using emails and prior deposition testimony regarding sequence of events (spit vs. intervention, nose/cheek confusion).
- Jurors asked about the presence of cameras (Ellis said there were none in elevator), and timing of injuries/car accidents.
- MORE | Ex-security guard testifies Cardi B cursed at her, spat on her, cut her
Parts of this story were reported by a journalist and converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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