Cardi B Wins Assault Trial After Viral Courtroom Moments
Cardi B walked away victorious from her civil assault trial in Alhambra, California, after a jury deliberated for roughly one hour before finding the rapper not liable on all counts. The lawsuit was brought by former security guard Emani Ellis, who alleged that Cardi B scratched her face with a three inch fingernail and spat on her outside a Beverly Hills obstetrician's office in February 2018. Cardi was secretly pregnant with her first child at the time of the alleged incident.
The jury of six men and six women determined that Ellis failed to prove her allegations of assault, negligence, and emotional distress against the "I Like It" rapper. Ellis had been seeking $24 million in damages, citing emotional trauma, cosmetic procedures, and lost employment as a result of the alleged encounter. Cardi B testified during the trial that while she and Ellis exchanged words, she never made physical contact with the security guard.
The Wig Moment That Broke The Internet
While the verdict was the headline, it was a moment during testimony that truly sent the internet into a frenzy. Cardi B appeared in court wearing a long blonde wig, and her own attorney asked about her ever changing hairstyles during questioning. Cardi laughed and confirmed to the courtroom, "They're wigs!" The exchange immediately went viral, spawning memes and social media reactions that compared the trial to an SNL skit.
The wig moment was just one of several instances where Cardi B's personality shone through during the proceedings. Her candid responses and unfiltered courtroom demeanor made the trial must watch content for fans and media outlets alike. According to Newsweek, the trial generated more memes and jokes than most celebrity court appearances in recent memory.
Defense Witnesses Back Cardi B's Account
The defense presented testimony from multiple witnesses who supported Cardi B's version of events. Dr. David Finke and receptionist Tierra Malcolm both testified that they witnessed the confrontation and saw no physical altercation take place. Both witnesses stated that Ellis had no visible injuries following the encounter, which directly contradicted the security guard's claims of being scratched and spat on.
Cardi B's legal team argued throughout the trial that Ellis's claims were financially motivated and not supported by the evidence. The quick deliberation time suggested that the jury found the defense's case compelling and saw little merit in the plaintiff's allegations.
A Complete Victory For Cardi B
The verdict represented a total win for Cardi B, who had maintained her innocence throughout the seven year legal battle. According to AP News, the jury gave Cardi "a quick and absolute victory" that put the matter to rest once and for all. The rapper had previously expressed frustration over the case dragging on for years and was visibly relieved when the verdict was read.
For a closer look at the viral courtroom exchange, check out the following video:
With the trial behind her, Cardi B can now focus on her music and business ventures without this legal cloud looming over her head. The case served as yet another reminder that Cardi B remains one of the most entertaining and unpredictable figures in entertainment, whether she is on stage, on social media, or apparently even in a courtroom.
