In a court session that has garnered significant public attention, Imani Ellis, the security guard who claims to have been assaulted by rapper Cardi B, took the stand to recount the events of February 24, 2018. Ellis, 32, testified that she was performing her duties at a Beverly Hills building when she encountered the hip-hop star.
During her testimony, Ellis described how she recognized Cardi B as she exited an elevator. She recalled saying, “That looks like Cardi B,” which she claims prompted an aggressive response from the rapper. According to Ellis, Cardi B confronted her, exclaiming, “Why the f*** you telling people that you seen me?” Despite Ellis’s attempts to calm the situation, she alleges that Cardi B became increasingly upset and began to verbally assault her.
Ellis stated that Cardi B used derogatory language and racial slurs during the confrontation, and notably, she claimed that Cardi B spit on her during the altercation. “Did her spit actually land on your body?” the attorney asked, to which Ellis responded affirmatively. The incident escalated when Cardi B allegedly swung at Ellis, although she indicated that the blow did not make contact. However, Ellis reported that Cardi B’s long fingernails did cut her face, resulting in the need for surgical intervention.
Ellis explained that she had to consult two different plastic surgeons for the injuries she sustained and underwent plastic surgery as a result. The court was shown photographic evidence of the building and the specific area where the incident took place, as Ellis provided a detailed account of her work environment.
Throughout her testimony, Ellis emphasized her role as a security guard and the responsibilities that came with it, stating that she had never encountered issues with anyone else during her four years in that position. She expressed her desire to clarify the misunderstanding with Cardi B, indicating that the rapper’s behavior was causing a disturbance in the building.
As the proceedings continue, the case’s outcome remains uncertain, but Ellis’s testimony has brought to light the complexities of celebrity encounters in public spaces and the potential ramifications of such interactions. The courtroom drama is expected to draw continued media coverage as both sides present their arguments in this high-profile case.