A Los Angeles judge has dismissed security guard Emani Ellis’s request for a new trial in her failed assault case against Cardi B. Ellis argued that the rapper intimidated jurors by throwing a pen towards a reporter while speaking to the media outside the courtroom.

Ellis had alleged that Cardi B assaulted her in the hallway of a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office in 2018, during a visit the musician intended to keep private as she was concealing a pregnancy. Ellis claimed she was recording the moment, causing the secrecy to unravel. Although Cardi admitted to a verbal dispute, she denied spitting or causing a cut to Ellis’s cheek, which Ellis attributed to a three-inch nail and said left her traumatised.

After less than an hour of deliberation, the jury ruled in Cardi B’s favour. Following her loss, Ellis applied for a new trial, maintaining that the pen-throwing episode influenced the jury. Cardi’s lawyers dismissed the accusation as baseless and absurd.

Judge Ian C. Fusselman ruled that such speculation lacked substance and could not reasonably have affected the verdict. However, he has yet to decide on another motion—Cardi’s legal team’s request to sanction Ellis’s lawyer, Rosen Janfaza, for alleged misconduct, including questions about whether Cardi had gang affiliations.

Clips of Cardi B’s testimony went viral during the September proceedings, with the rapper offering dry humour, expressive reactions, and memorable exchanges. Questions about her wigs, physical stature and nails sparked online criticism, with many accusing the lawyer of misogynistic and racially-tinged behaviour.

Cardi B released her album Am I The Drama? this year, receiving a two-star review and being labelled bloated, derivative and lacking identity. The record features artists such as Janet Jackson, Lizzo, Selena Gomez, Tyla and Megan Thee Stallion. Prior to its release, Cardi promoted it in unconventional ways, including recording public service announcements for the New York City subway.

AJ