Courtroom Chaos: Cardi B Clashes With Plaintiff’s Attorney in Explosive Assault Trial Showdown

Los Angeles, CA – August 28, 2025 – Rapper Cardi B returned to the witness stand on Wednesday, August 27, for the third day of her civil assault trial, engaging in a heated back-and-forth with plaintiff’s attorney Ron Rosen. Called as a hostile witness by the plaintiff, Emani Ellis, Cardi defended her actions during a 2018 incident at a Beverly Hills medical building, denying any physical assault while describing a verbal confrontation sparked by her belief that Ellis was recording her. The exchange highlighted tensions over Cardi’s pregnancy, her anger level, and the details of the altercation, with frequent objections from her legal team and interventions from the judge to maintain civility.

Trial Background

The lawsuit stems from an encounter on February 24, 2018, at 8920 Wilshire Boulevard, where Cardi B, then 3-4 months pregnant, was visiting her doctor amid rumors about her pregnancy. Ellis, a security guard in the building, allegedly confronted Cardi, leading to a dispute. Ellis claims Cardi scratched her face, resulting in a 2 cm scar requiring plastic surgery and contributing to her firing. She seeks damages, alleging assault and battery.

Cardi counters that Ellis was aggressive, recording her without consent, and that the incident was purely verbal. No criminal charges were filed, but Ellis pursued a civil suit. The trial, ongoing in Los Angeles County Superior Court, has drawn significant media attention due to Cardi’s celebrity status and the dramatic courtroom moments.

Heated Exchanges and Key Testimony Highlights

Rosen’s questioning was aggressive, prompting multiple objections from Cardi’s attorneys for being argumentative and repetitive. The judge repeatedly urged Rosen to lower his tone, noting a distinction between volume and confrontational demeanor. Cardi remained composed but firm, often responding with detailed accounts while pushing back against leading questions.

The Recording Allegation
Cardi reiterated her belief that Ellis was recording her with a cell phone held at chest level. “The camera was facing me,” she testified, describing the phone’s position as “practically on her chest.” Rosen pressed on how Cardi knew, asking about lights or sounds from the phone. Cardi denied seeing any indicators but insisted the positioning indicated recording. When asked why it mattered, Cardi explained, “Because she’s a security guard and I’m going to a doctor’s office. It definitely mattered.”

Rosen challenged if Cardi was causing a disturbance, suggesting she was a guest in the building and should have left when asked. Cardi disputed this, claiming Ellis initiated the conflict.

Physical Contact and Assault Denial
A focal point was whether there was physical contact. Cardi admitted to being “chest to chest” with Ellis during the argument but denied hitting, scratching, or swinging. “I didn’t touch her,” she stated repeatedly. Rosen highlighted Cardi’s long nails, asking if they were sharp. Cardi clarified they were square-shaped with flat rhinestones, not pointy. “If they’re flat, they’re not sharp,” she said.

When Rosen suggested Cardi could have scratched Ellis, she countered, “I was pregnant. I couldn’t protect myself even if I wanted to. She’s like twice my size.” Cardi described her pregnancy as a “disability,” emphasizing vulnerability. Rosen asked if her arms were disabled; Cardi confirmed they weren’t but reiterated her fear.

Anger Level and Blackout Possibility
Rosen rated Cardi’s anger on a 1-10 scale during the “chest to chest” moment. Cardi described it as high in concern rather than rage: “I was mostly nervous… I was more on a high level of concern.” She denied “blacking out” from anger, insisting she remembered the incident clearly.

Cardi admitted using profanity, calling Ellis a “bitch” multiple times, but denied slurs like the N-word or calling her “fat.” “I was calling her a bitch,” she said, acknowledging it was disrespectful but contextualizing it in the heat of the moment.

Witnesses and Timeline
Cardi estimated the incident lasted “a minute or less.” She described receptionist Tiara Malcolm intervening first (40-50 seconds in), followed by her doctor, Dr. Fininky (3-5 seconds later). Malcolm separated them, and Fininky escorted Cardi to his office. Cardi denied seeing Ellis afterward or any further contact.

Rosen questioned why Cardi didn’t call her security guard, Karan Newton, or police if scared. Cardi explained the brevity: “It was already done.”

Post-Incident and Social Media
Cardi admitted posting online denying Ellis’ live-stream claims of assault, calling them lies for money. “That’s a fucking lie. Fuck out of here. Was trying to get some money,” she recalled posting. She denied apologizing, insisting no wrongdoing occurred.

Cardi’s Demeanor and Judge’s Interventions

Throughout, Cardi appeared frustrated but cooperative, often clarifying questions or pushing back on characterizations. Rosen’s tone drew rebukes from the judge: “There’s a difference between volume and tone… The tone is a little bit argumentative.” Cardi quipped during one exchange, “Something’s wrong with you,” prompting laughter and a judicial reminder to wait for questions.

Implications and Next Steps

Cardi’s testimony concluded her time on the stand, though she could be recalled. Upcoming witnesses include Malcolm, Fininky, and Newton, whose accounts may clarify discrepancies. The trial tests Cardi’s credibility against Ellis’ claims, with potential impacts on her public image.

Cardi, known for her outspokenness, has not commented outside court. The case underscores issues of celebrity privacy, workplace dynamics, and accountability in heated encounters.