Cardi B Denies Touching Guard in US$24 Million Assault Trial

Rapper Cardi B testified in Los Angeles County Superior Court that she never laid a hand on former security guard Emani Ellis, who is suing her for US$24 million over an alleged 2018 assault outside a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office. Under questioning, the 32-year-old artist said she neither scratched, spat at nor physically touched Ellis during the confrontation, which occurred while Cardi B was pregnant with her first child. Ellis claims the performer “violently, unlawfully and maliciously” struck and demeaned her after accusing the guard of surreptitiously filming her. Cardi B acknowledged a heated verbal exchange but argued that any aggressive contact would have been impossible because of her pregnancy and the guard’s larger stature. The civil trial is in its first week, with additional witnesses expected to testify before the jury considers whether the Grammy-winning musician is liable for damages. No criminal charges were filed at the time of the incident.