Cardi B’s Civil Trial Takes a Twist – Receptionist and Doctor Boost Her Defense in $24M Assault Case

Rapper Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, took the stand again on Wednesday in a civil lawsuit filed by former security guard Emani Ellis, who claims the star scratched and spat on her during a 2018 altercation outside a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office, while the rapper was four months pregnant.

Ellis is seeking $24 million in damages, alleging assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and false imprisonment. According to Ellis, the confrontation included racial slurs, body-shaming, spitting, and a fingernail scratch to her left cheek.

Defense Gains Ground: Receptionist and Doctor Back Cardi B’s Version

Two key witnesses bolstered Cardi B’s defense. Receptionist Tierra Malcolm testified that she intervened during the heated exchange, positioning herself between the women. In doing so, she sustained a cut to her forehead—she said Ellis was the source of the injury, not Cardi B, whom she said remained behind her throughout the incident.

Dr. David Finke, the obstetrician, supported that account, testifying he observed Ellis strike the receptionist’s shoulder and noted no injuries on Ellis herself; he also confirmed he never saw Cardi B strike Ellis.

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Cardi B Stands Firm, Disputes Physical Contact

Under oath, Cardi B emphatically denied any physical contact, asserting the encounter was entirely verbal, albeit heated and chest-to-chest. She emphasized she didn’t hit, scratch, or spit on Ellis, and that her acrylic nails with rhinestones were flat and not capable of causing injury. She recounted feeling cornered by Ellis, who she claimed was following and filming her without consent during her private doctor’s visit.

Cardi B noted that she was pregnant and around 130 pounds at the time, making physical escalation unlikely—“I’m very disabled,” she quipped, earning laughter in the courtroom.

A Moment of Courtroom Levity Makes Headlines

The courtroom drama took a humorous turn when Cardi B briefly confused her attorney by changing wigs—from a pixie black style to long platinum blond—prompting amusement and going viral online. This moment, along with her striking $7,000+ Giambattista Valli tweed ensemble, added a dash of fashion-forward flair to the legal proceedings.

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What’s Next?

The trial, ongoing in a Los Angeles County courtroom, is expected to continue through next week. As both sides present evidence, the jury will weigh conflicting accounts: Ellis’s claims of trauma and injury versus Cardi B’s testimony and eyewitness statements supporting her innocence.