Cardi B came out on top after her civil trial in Los Angeles.
The 32-year-old rapper was sued by a security guard who accused her of assault seven years ago, and the jury’s verdict was reached on Tuesday (September 2) after a week-long trial.
During the trial, Cardi was adamant the two were only ever in a verbal altercation, and her lawyers noted that the plaintiff was the aggressor the entire time.
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The rapper’s lawyer argued the plaintiff, Emani Ellis, was an admitted fan who knew Cardi was going to be at the building and was just waiting to photograph and video her, telling jurors that even if the meeting outside the elevator was by chance, the plaintiff knew Cardi believed she was being recorded.
“Plaintiff had the chance to be professional and avoid all of this by putting her phone away. That’s all she had to do. But the evidence is, she kept that phone in her hands all the way through as she advanced on Cardi B in the hallway,” the lawyer said, via Rolling Stone.
During the trial, both parties gave different accounts, with the receptionist and obstetrician at the office taking the stand as well, testifying that the plaintiff had her phone in her hands the entire time.
Cardi‘s lawyer also noted that the her account of the altercation came to “common sense” as the plaintiff never went to the emergency room or the doctor, nor did she file a police report.
“She did not know if the scratch that supposedly ruined her life was even bleeding,” he said. “What did she do? She claims that Cardi mauled her, basically, cut her face, and what did she do? She went home and took a nap. That was her own testimony.”
“Plaintiff went berserk,” he added, citing the evidence and testimonies supported their defense. “Plaintiff advanced on Cardi, screaming and yelling, forcing Cardi backwards.”
The plaintiff’s lawyer noted that his client wasn’t looking for millions like she allegedly demanded, but deserved compensation for her past pain and suffering, as well as medical expenses covered.
However, after only about an hour of deliberations, the jury found Cardi B not liable over the claims of “assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress as well as negligence and false imprisonment,” per BBC.
“I work all day and I work hard for my money, for my kids, for the people that I take care of,” Cardi told reporters after the verdict. “So don’t you ever think that you’re going to sue me, and I’m just going to settle.”
She also asked her fans not to bother the plaintiff or her family.
While leaving the courthouse that day, Cardi threw a pen at a reporter who asked about paternity between her ex Offset and her current beau Stefon Diggs.
Source: justjared.com