Cardi B Cleared of Assault Allegations in Los Angeles Trial
Los Angeles, CA – Rapper Cardi B has been found not liable in a civil lawsuit alleging she assaulted a security guard, Jenelle Ellis, following a doctor’s appointment in Los Angeles.The jury delivered the verdict today, concluding Ellis had not proven her claims against the performer.
The case stemmed from an August 2021 incident outside a medical office, where Ellis alleged Cardi B scratched her. Ellis initially claimed she was seeking $24m in damages, though the final amount was left too the jury’s discretion. The trial gained significant attention due to cardi B’s candid and often viral testimony, which included descriptions of the altercation and pointed exchanges with Ellis’s attorney.
During her testimony, Cardi B denied any physical contact with Ellis, stating, “She couldn’t get a scratch from me as I didn’t touch her.” She acknowledged a heated verbal argument, recounting the profanity exchanged between the two women, and explained she was particularly angered by the situation due to being pregnant at the time. “Yes I was angry! As I’m pregnant! And this girl’s about to fucking beat my ass!” she testified.
The defense presented testimony from Dr. David Finke, Cardi B’s physician on the day of the incident, and Tierra Malcolm, the office receptionist who intervened in the argument. Both witnesses largely corroborated Cardi B’s account, stating they did not observe a physical altercation. Malcolm described the argument as intensely verbal,prompting Judge Ian C Fusselman to remark,after being asked if she could swear in court,”We’ve heard just about everything so far,so it’s OK.”
Cardi B’s legal team successfully argued that Ellis failed to provide sufficient evidence of a physical assault. The outcome of the trial avoids a perhaps substantial financial penalty for the rapper and concludes a highly publicized legal battle. Ellis’s attorney has not yet commented on whether an appeal will be filed.
