Accuser Claims Rapper Scratched Her With Fingernails

Before jurors on Monday, Cardi B’s civil assault trial officially began in Los Angeles. The Grammy-winning rapper entered the courthouse in a fitted jacket and a sharp black pixie cut as the first day of testimony and jury selection unfolded.

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At the center of the case is former security guard Emani Ellis, who accuses Cardi B of physically attacking her during a 2018 visit to a Beverly Hills medical office. Ellis alleges the rapper struck her in the head, face, and body, spat on her, and used racial slurs because she suspected Ellis was recording her. The lawsuit also claims Cardi B’s security guard assaulted Ellis and that efforts were made to erase video evidence of the altercation.

Ellis gave emotional testimony, telling the jury that the experience left lasting damage. She also testified that Cardi B never apologized for the encounter. Ellis stated she suffered facial scars from the rapper’s fingernails but admitted she did not photograph her injuries at the time. She explained that she was too distressed in the aftermath and did not initially intend to pursue legal action.

Two months after the confrontation, Ellis began therapy, which she described as beneficial for her recovery. She emphasized to jurors that she had not been filming Cardi B and that she did not have scars before the alleged assault.

Cardi B has firmly denied the accusations. She insists she never laid a hand on Ellis and maintains that Ellis was the aggressor who attempted to record her. The rapper acknowledged that an exchange of words took place but described it as brief, adding that the dispute escalated only when Ellis tried to film her.

After the allegations resurfaced publicly, Cardi B briefly addressed them online before deleting her statement.

“Why don’t you guys post the part where the doctor’s office said that that’s not what happen? And if I assaulted why she didn’t press charges? Why would I put my hands on some1 twice my size by myself while I’m experiencing sharp pain 4 months pregnant?” the rapper wrote.

Ellis is seeking damages for medical costs, lost wages, emotional distress, and a civil penalty.

The trial continued on Tuesday, with Cardi telling reporters outside of the courtroom that the incident in question never occurred.