**Cardi B Acquitted of Assault in Civil Trial Involving Security Guard**
Cardi B has been exonerated of assault charges by a California jury in a civil trial initiated by a former security guard. The $24 million lawsuit stemmed from an incident outside an obstetrician’s office in Beverly Hills in 2018. Emani Ellis accused the rapper of scratching her cheek with a fingernail and spitting on her.
During her testimony on Wednesday, Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, acknowledged that while the confrontation with Ellis escalated, she did not physically assault the security guard. Cardi explained that she was in Los Angeles for promotional activities in February 2018, coinciding with that year’s NBA All-Star Game, and was four months pregnant with her first child, a fact she had not yet publicly disclosed.
After attending a private appointment at the obstetrician’s office, which was closed to other patients for her privacy, Cardi stated that Ellis followed her to the fifth floor. She recounted hearing Ellis mention her name into a phone, seemingly recording her, which raised concerns that her pregnancy would be revealed. Cardi testified, “I told her, ‘Why are you recording?'” to which Ellis responded with an apology.
As tensions escalated, Cardi described Ellis as “walking into me” and noted that Ellis was larger than her, stating, “She is like, security-heavy. She just looks a little, like she could protect the building.”
Earlier in the trial, Ellis testified that the incident left her feeling humiliated and traumatized, and she required cosmetic surgery for a scar on her face. The former security guard, who lost her job due to the incident, sought damages for medical expenses, emotional and physical suffering, lost wages, and punitive damages.
In conclusion, the jury’s decision to clear Cardi B of the assault allegations marks a significant moment in this high-profile case, highlighting the complexities of celebrity encounters and the legal ramifications that can follow.
**FAQ**
*What was the outcome of Cardi B’s civil trial?*
Cardi B was acquitted of assault charges by a California jury in a civil trial brought by a former security guard, Emani Ellis, who accused her of physical assault.