Cardi B is fighting allegations that she assaulted a security guard during a heated confrontation at a Beverly Hills OB-GYN clinic in 2018. The rapper, who was pregnant at the time, denies any physical altercation, calling the lawsuit “baseless.”
The Alleged Incident: Guard Claims Spitting and Scratching
The lawsuit, filed by security guard Emani Ellis in 2020, centers on an alleged altercation that occurred when Cardi B visited a doctor’s office in Beverly Hills while expecting her first child. Ellis claims the Grammy-winning rapper spat on her, hurled racial slurs, and scratched her cheek with long fingernails, leaving a visible injury.
Ellis testified that the encounter escalated when Cardi B approached her, touched her nose, and scratched her cheek. She described the experience as “traumatizing” and says it left lasting emotional scars.
Cardi B Denies Allegations, Blames Guard for Filming Attempt
Cardi B, born Belcalis Almanzar, has strongly denied the accusations. Her legal team argues that the confrontation was verbal, not physical, and lasted no more than 90 seconds. The rapper insists Ellis tried to film her without consent as she arrived for her appointment.
“Nobody touched the security guard,” Cardi B told reporters, adding that she was simply reacting to being recorded without her knowledge.
Defense Highlights Inconsistencies in Testimony
During cross-examination, defense attorneys pointed out discrepancies in Ellis’s statements, questioning whether the guard’s phone was held up near Cardi B’s face or simply in her hand. They also noted conflicting claims about whether the rapper scratched Ellis’s cheek or touched her nose, suggesting these contradictions weaken the credibility of the accusations.
What’s at Stake in the Lawsuit?
Ellis is suing Cardi B for assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and false imprisonment, seeking monetary damages. The rapper attended court during Ellis’s testimony and is expected to take the stand in the coming days.
This civil case adds to Cardi B’s ongoing legal troubles. In 2018, she was investigated over a fight at a New York strip club, and in 2023, she faced a lawsuit for allegedly striking a concertgoer with a microphone during a Las Vegas show.
Key Takeaways
- Incident Year: 2018 at Beverly Hills OB-GYN office
- Accuser: Security guard Emani Ellis
- Claims: Spitting, scratching, racial slurs, emotional distress
- Defense: Denies physical assault, alleges unauthorized filming
- Status: Cardi B to testify as civil trial continues
