It appears the legal saga between Cardi B and a former security guard is far from over. Emani Ellis, who sued the Bronx rapper for assault stemming from a 2018 incident, is seeking a second chance after her initial $24 million lawsuit was unanimously rejected by a jury in September.
Seeking a Second Chance in Court
Ellis’s attorney has filed new court documents requesting a new hearing, scheduled for December 5th. The core of their argument is that the jury did not have sufficient evidence to quickly absolve Cardi B of any damages. This move comes just weeks after the initial trial concluded, where the jury deliberated for less than an hour before dismissing the case.
The original lawsuit dates back to February 24, 2018, when Ellis, working as a security guard at a Wilshire Boulevard OB-GYN clinic, encountered Cardi B. At the time, the rapper was pregnant, though this was not publicly known. Ellis accused Cardi B of both physical and verbal assault, including the use of racial slurs, and claimed to have suffered long-term psychological damage, such as PTSD, anxiety, and insomnia.
Cardi B’s Defense and Warning
Cardi B has consistently maintained that the altercation was purely verbal and that no physical contact occurred. While she admitted to calling Ellis a “bitch,” she stated, “It was a verbal altercation. She didn’t hit me. I didn’t hit her. There was no touch. So, to me it wasn’t no incident.” Following the jury’s verdict, the rapper issued a warning to those considering frivolous lawsuits against her, vowing to countersue in the future.
The Path Forward
Ellis’s intention to appeal was reported in September, indicating that this legal battle has been developing since the initial verdict. Whether the judge will approve the request for a new hearing remains to be seen, but this development ensures the case is not yet closed.
What are your thoughts on Emani Ellis seeking a new trial? Share your opinions in the comments below!