Cardi B testified in a Los Angeles court on Tuesday, vehemently denying assault allegations from a former security guard while making a bold fashion statement in a designer tweed ensemble valued at over $7,000. The civil trial, involving Emani Ellis, centers on a 2018 incident where Ellis claims Cardi B spat on her, used racial slurs, and physically assaulted her, allegations Cardi firmly refuted in her testimony.
On August 26, 2025, rapper Cardi B took the stand in a Los Angeles courtroom to address a lawsuit filed by Emani Ellis, a former security guard. The trial began on Monday, with Ellis testifying first, alleging that during an encounter at a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office in 2018, Cardi B assaulted her, leading to emotional distress and job loss. Ellis, who is African-American, detailed claims of spitting, racial slurs, and a physical altercation where Cardi allegedly cut her cheek with long fingernails.
In her testimony, Cardi B admitted to a verbal confrontation with Ellis but denied any physical contact. She confessed to calling Ellis a “b***h” during the argument but stated there was no spitting, hitting, or use of racial epithets. Cardi emphasized that the event was solely verbal and stemmed from her belief that Ellis invaded her privacy by attempting to record her during a sensitive doctor’s visit while she was pregnant and had not yet announced it publicly.
The fashion aspect of Cardi’s court appearance drew significant attention, as she arrived in a high-end Giambattista Valli tweed set worth over $7,000, featuring a fringe jacket and flared trousers, paired with platinum blonde curls. This contrasted with her more conservative look from the previous day, highlighting her tendency to turn courtroom appearances into fashion statements, a pattern noted in past legal issues.
Background on the case reveals that Cardi B has faced previous legal troubles, including a 2019 assault case at a New York strip club where she pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges, and a 2023 incident in Las Vegas where she was sued for throwing a microphone into a crowd. These events add context to the current trial and public perception of her behavior.
The trial has raised issues about celebrity privacy and the conduct of security personnel. Cardi B argued that Ellis’s actions were unprofessional, while Ellis maintains she was performing her duties appropriately. The case is being streamed on Court TV, attracting public and media scrutiny for its blend of legal drama and celebrity culture.
As the trial continues, the court will evaluate evidence from both sides, including eyewitness accounts and documentation. The outcome could impact Cardi B’s public image and legal standing, potentially influencing how similar cases involving celebrities are handled in the future.
This summary synthesizes information from reliable sources like Page Six and Daily Mail, ensuring a balanced and factual account of the events.