The civil trial involving rap star Cardi B has unexpectedly gone viral worldwide due to the bizarre exchanges between the rapper and the court.
The lawsuit was filed by Emani Ellis, a former security guard who had worked at a Beverly Hills building housing an obstetrics and gynecology clinic that Cardi B visited while four months pregnant.
Emani Ellis accused the rapper of assault, claiming Cardi B scratched her face with her long nails, spat on her, and hurled insults. In 2020, Ellis officially filed the lawsuit, alleging assault, battery, emotional distress, and false imprisonment, while seeking $24 million in damages.
During the trial in Alhambra, Cardi B (real name Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar) repeatedly insisted that she never hit or touched Ellis.
The rapper admitted to a heated argument, including going “chest-to-chest” and exchanging harsh words, but denied all accusations of physical assault, pointing out that she was pregnant at the time.
The trial appears to be leaning in Cardi B’s favor.
However, one particular moment during the proceedings recently sparked a storm of reactions online. When Ellis’s lawyer asked whether Cardi B had called the plaintiff “fat,” the rapper calmly replied: “No, I called her a hoe.”
The remark quickly went viral on social media, dividing public opinion. Some argued that Cardi B was too blunt and lacked self-control, while others saw it as proof that her actions were limited to words rather than violence.
Notably, witness testimony has bolstered Cardi B’s defense. Receptionist Tierra Malcolm, who worked at the clinic, testified that it was actually Ellis who approached and cornered Cardi B before others intervened. During the scuffle, Malcolm herself was scratched on the forehead by Ellis, who was reaching over her to get to Cardi B.
Dr. David Finke, who treated Cardi B that day, also confirmed he observed no injuries on Ellis’s face and found the allegations inconsistent with what he had witnessed.
On social media, Cardi B has pushed back against Ellis’s claims, calling them “lies” and insisting that the plaintiff is merely trying to exploit her fame.
With her bold demeanor, the rapper even drew laughter in the courtroom when speaking about her pregnancy in 2018 and delivering her trademark unfiltered responses throughout the trial.
Although she remains optimistic, the massive compensation demand and mounting public scrutiny mean that the final verdict could have a significant impact not only on her career but also on the Grammy-winning rapper’s public image.