Cardi B Blocks New Trial Request in Pen-Tossing Security Guard Case

Cardi B has successfully blocked a new trial request in a case involving a security guard’s allegations of an altercation outside a Beverly Hills doctor’s office. The security guard, Emani Ellis, claimed that the Grammy-winning artist scratched her face with an acrylic nail during a heated confrontation in February 2018.

Judge Denies Request for New Trial

On Friday, Los Angeles County Judge Ian Fusselman denied Ellis’s motion, stating there was no valid reason to overturn the unanimous jury verdict reached three months earlier. The jury determined that Ellis did not prove her claims of physical assault by Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Almánzar.

Incident Background

The confrontation occurred outside an obstetrician’s office while Cardi B was secretly pregnant. Ellis alleged that Cardi B was upset about being filmed. However, video footage shows Almánzar, after being approached by a vlogger, throwing a pen to the ground, which allegedly struck the vlogger. This incident was cited by Ellis’s legal team as intimidation that could have influenced the jury.

Eyewitness Testimonies

In her defense, Cardi B testified that she never touched Ellis. Both Dr. David Finke and receptionist Tierra Malcolm, who intervened during the altercation, supported Almánzar’s version of events, suggesting that Ellis appeared to be the aggressor. Malcolm revealed that Ellis had approached her weeks after the incident, asking for assistance with an employment claim related to the incident.

Judge’s Ruling and Observations

Judge Fusselman noted that the jurors had focused on the evidence presented during the trial. He emphasized that jurors were free to ask questions and showed no signs of intimidation. Their deliberation lasted only an hour before siding with Cardi B on September 2.

Legal Implications and Repercussions

Ellis’s lawyer, Ron Rosen Janfaza, faced the judge’s criticism for repeatedly claiming that Ellis had seen a psychologist, despite no evidence supporting this assertion. The judge indicated that he would sanction Rosen for his conduct during the trial.

Cardi B’s Recent Achievements

Following her legal victory, Cardi B released a special edition of her album, titled “Am I the Drama?”, featuring themes inspired by her court experiences. This win adds to her legal track record, which includes a previous $4 million jury award against gossip vlogger Tasha K and a successful defense against a libel lawsuit involving her sister.

• Key Event: Cardi B prevails in court against security guard’s assault claim.
• Date of Incident: February 24, 2018.
• Verdict Date: September 2, 2023.
• Judge: Ian Fusselman.