“No Hands, Just Words”: Cardi B Testifies, Fires Back at Assault Claims
In a civil trial that has captured public attention, rapper Cardi B took the stand to address allegations of assault made against her by security guard Ammani Ellis. The testimony, delivered with candor and composure, painted a picture of a verbal confrontation without physical contact, challenging the claims of assault.
Background and Setting
Cardi B testified about the events of February 24, 2018, when she visited the Beverly Hills medical office at 8920 Wilshire Boulevard for a prenatal appointment with Dr. Fininky. She confirmed that she was a patient that day, spending approximately 25 to 30 minutes with the doctor, who examined her first pregnancy.
She explained that she traveled from Atlanta and New Jersey for the appointment and was accompanied by her security guard, Karan Newton, who waited in the building’s lobby but did not accompany her upstairs to maintain her privacy.
The Confrontation
Cardi B recounted encountering Ammani Ellis, the building’s security guard, immediately upon exiting the elevator on the fifth floor. Ellis was reportedly on the phone and recognized Cardi B, exclaiming, “Oh my god, Cardi B is here.” Cardi B described feeling followed and recorded by Ellis, who was in uniform and holding her phone in a manner Cardi B interpreted as filming.
The rapper confronted Ellis, questioning why she was recording and following her, emphasizing that as security, Ellis should not invade her privacy. The verbal exchange escalated quickly, with both women exchanging heated words and profanity. Cardi B admitted to calling Ellis a derogatory term during the argument but denied any physical contact.
She described the encounter as “chest to chest,” with Ellis standing very close, but insisted that no physical altercation occurred. Cardi B stated, “I did not hit her. I didn’t touch her. She didn’t touch me.”
Nail Length and Physical Evidence
Addressing questions about her fingernails, Cardi B explained that on the day of the incident, her nails were fake, approximately one inch long, square-shaped with flat rhinestones, and not sharp. She emphasized that she would never want to hurt anyone with her nails and that the nails she wore then were not pointy or capable of causing injury.
Security Guard and Witnesses
Cardi B acknowledged that her security guard, Karan Newton, was present in the lobby but did not interact with Ellis or witness the confrontation. She did not disclose Newton’s name in discovery, explaining that he was not upstairs during the incident and thus not a witness to the altercation.
She identified two witnesses to the incident: Dr. Fininky, who came out of his office during the confrontation, and the receptionist, Tiara Malcolm, who intervened to separate the two women.
Legal and Procedural Matters
During cross-examination, Cardi B demonstrated limited knowledge of legal discovery procedures, including interrogatories and requests for admissions. She acknowledged reviewing some discovery documents but was uncertain about others.
The court addressed objections related to questions about gang affiliation and discovery issues, emphasizing the need to focus on relevant testimony.
Summary
Cardi B’s testimony portrayed the February 2018 incident as a verbal altercation marked by frustration and invasion of privacy but devoid of physical violence. She denied spitting on Ellis, using racial slurs, or physically assaulting her in any way.
The rapper’s account highlighted her concerns about privacy during a sensitive medical appointment and her perception of Ellis’s behavior as unprofessional for a security guard.
As the trial continues, the court and jury will weigh the conflicting testimonies and evidence to determine the outcome of this high-profile civil case.
