US rapper Cardi B was cleared of assault by a Los Angeles jury after a security guard sued her for $24 million (£18 million) over a fingernail attack.
Emani Ellis said that the US rapper sliced her cheek with a 3 in (7.5 cm) fingernail and spat on her outside an obstetrics clinic in 2018. The rapper was pregnant at the time, which was not well known.
The civil trial in Alhambra produced a number of memorable moments, including the rapper taking the stand and offering colorful evidence regarding the incident and her attire choices.
She told the court that the guard followed her, filming her on her phone and refusing to give her space or privacy. Ms. Ellis, on the other hand, claimed it left her “traumatized.”
The jury cleared the Grammy-winning rapper of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and false detention in less than an hour.
Speaking to reporters after the ruling, Cardi B said, “I work all day, and I work hard for my money, for my kids, for the people that I take care of. So don’t you ever think that you’re going to sue me, and I’m just going to settle.”
The musician also urged her followers not to approach Ms. Ellis or her family now that a verdict has been made.
The argument centered on Cardi B’s obstetrics appointment when she was four months pregnant with her first kid. The office closed for the day to protect her privacy, as her pregnancy was not public knowledge.
Cardi B admitted to the court that she and Ms. Ellis had a profanity-laced yelling match when she arrived for her doctor’s appointment. She claimed it was very heated, but she denied ever touching the guard or spitting on her.
The rapper testified on that day, telling the court that as she got out of an elevator, Ms. Ellis, a security guard in the building, told someone on the phone about her prenatal appointment, which was not yet public knowledge.
The artist, whose true name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, also stated that Ms. Ellis appeared to be recording her on her phone and refused to “back up” before a “verbal altercation” occurred.
She admitted to yelling an obscenity at Ms. Ellis and ordering her to “get out of my face.”
Her lawyer stated that the singer had “feared for her unborn baby” and had yet to publicly announce her pregnancy.
Her argument was backed by testimony from the doctor she was scheduled to meet and his receptionist, Tierra Malcolm, who raced between the shouting women in an attempt to break up the fight.
Ms. Malcolm testified that Ms. Ellis was the aggressor and that the security agent was swinging her arms in an apparent attempt to beat Cardi B, causing a gash on Ms. Malcolm’s head.
Cardi B’s testimony went viral as she changed wigs and attire throughout the trial, with the length of her fingernails becoming a focal point several times.
Cardi B wore a black and white polka dot suit with a red bow for the final arguments, and her black hair was pulled up.
Because this is a civil case rather than a criminal one, the jury was asked to determine whether Cardi B should be held accountable for harming Ms. Ellis and, if so, how much she should compensate the security officer for pain and suffering.
Cardi B testified that she was being sued for $24 million and that Ms. Ellis was seeking a settlement. During closing arguments, Ms. Ellis’ attorney stated that it was up to the jury to determine a cash amount to recompense her.
Ultimately, the jury found the rapper completely innocent in the case.
