Cardi B is facing a $24M lawsuit from a security guard who says the rapper attacked her outside a Beverly Hills medical office back in 2018
What Started It All?
Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, found herself at the center of a viral courtroom moment during her civil assault trial on August 26, 2025. The trial, held in Alhambra, California, revolves around allegations made by former security guard Emani Ellis, who claims Cardi B assaulted her outside a Beverly Hills medical office in 2018. Ellis alleges that Cardi scratched her face with a long fingernail and spat on her. Cardi B has denied these allegations, stating that she did not physically assault Ellis and that the encounter was a verbal altercation.
The courtroom drama intensified when Ellis’s attorney, Ron Rosen Janfaza, questioned Cardi B about her changing hairstyles. On the witness stand, Cardi appeared with a long blonde wig, prompting Rosen Janfaza to inquire, “Yesterday you had black hair, short hair. Today it’s blonde and long. Which one is your real hair? Or are they both real?” Cardi responded with a laugh, “They’re wigs!”
This exchange quickly went viral, with many viewers expressing surprise at the lawyer’s confusion over Cardi’s wig choices. The moment highlighted the challenges attorneys face when dealing with high-profile clients who frequently change their appearance.
Cardi B Denies Physical Altercation
During her testimony, Cardi B maintained that she did not touch or harm Emani Ellis. She described the incident as a verbal confrontation, stating that Ellis had approached her aggressively and appeared to be recording her. Cardi admitted to feeling cornered but insisted that the altercation never escalated to physical violence.
Cardi’s defense was bolstered by the testimony of Dr. David Finke, the obstetrician with whom she had an appointment on the day of the alleged incident. Dr. Finke stated that he did not witness any physical altercation between Cardi B and Ellis. Additionally, Tierra Malcolm, the receptionist at the medical office, testified that she saw Ellis corner Cardi B and that Ellis had no visible injuries to her face.
Courtroom Drama and Viral Moments
The trial has been marked by several dramatic moments, many of which have gone viral on social media. Cardi B’s candid demeanor and unfiltered responses have drawn attention both inside and outside the courtroom. At one point, she rolled her eyes and yawned during questioning, leading to reactions from both the judge and the audience.
The judge even intervened at one point, instructing the courtroom to “take the temperature down” amid the heated exchanges. These moments have added a layer of spectacle to the legal proceedings, with many viewers expressing amusement at Cardi B’s reactions and the lawyer’s attempts to navigate the situation.
The $24 Million Lawsuit
Emani Ellis is seeking $24 million in damages, claiming that the alleged assault caused her emotional distress, required cosmetic surgery, and resulted in job loss. Cardi B has denied these claims, asserting that Ellis is seeking a payout. The trial is set to resume next week, with closing arguments scheduled for Tuesday morning.
Watch the Viral Moment
For a closer look at the viral courtroom exchange, check out the following video:
Cardi B Confuses Attorney with Wig Swap During Security Guard Assault Trial
Note: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available sources as of August 2025. For the latest updates on the trial, please refer to official court documents and reputable news outlets.
