Cardi B is once again in the legal spotlight as she faces a high-profile civil lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed by former security guard Emani Ellis. The case stems from a 2018 incident at a Beverly Hills medical office. Ellis alleges that the rapper, then four months pregnant, physically assaulted her. Ellis is seeking damages for medical expenses, emotional distress, and lost wages, while Cardi B denies the allegations, asserting that Ellis was the aggressor. Here’s what Ellis alleged regarding Cardi B physically assaulting her, leaving her to need surgery on her face.

Former security guard Emani Ellis testified that Cardi B attacked her in 2018

Emani Ellis, the former security guard suing Cardi B for assault, took the stand on Aug. 25, 2025, during the civil trial in Los Angeles. Ellis alleges that in February 2018, while working at a Beverly Hills medical building, she encountered the rapper, then four months pregnant. Ellis remarked, “Wow, that’s Cardi B.” According to Ellis, this comment led to a confrontation where Cardi B accused her of using her phone to disclose her private medical appointment.

Ellis claims that Cardi B then verbally assaulted her with racial slurs and body-shaming remarks. Cardi also allegedly spat on her and scratched her face with long fingernails, resulting in an injury that required plastic surgery. “She touched my nose but scratched my cheek,” Ellis said, according to ABC 7.

Additionally, Ellis claims that Cardi tried to “swing” at her, but missed. The former security guard described the incident as “traumatizing,” leading to emotional distress and physical harm.

Cardi B’s lawyers claim no physical assault happened. According to the rapper, Ellis was the aggressor. The security guard allegedly tried to film Cardi at the doctor’s office without Cardi’s consent. Cardi wanted privacy, as the public did not yet know about her pregnancy.

ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire commented on the defense finding inconsistencies in Ellis’ testimony.

“Suggesting that there were inconsistencies in the testimony that she gave before the jury on direct examination and in the report that she made and gave to her employers about this incident, inconsistencies about whether or not the cellphone was at her face or in her hand, whether or not she was touched on the nose or scratched on the cheek, but the defense was trying to argue what she is saying is not trustworthy or true,” Buckmire commented.

This story was originally reported by Page Six.

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