Cardi B recently made headlines when she admitted to dozing off during a civil trial stemming from a 2018 lawsuit filed by a security guard, Emani Ellis. The trial garnered significant attention online, particularly for Cardi’s viral moments, including the instance where she appeared to nod off during closing arguments. During her September 15 appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” Cardi openly acknowledged, “I’m not gonna lie, I was [sleeping].” She attributed her unexpected nap to the pressures of her hectic schedule, especially the ongoing rollout of her second studio album, “Am I the Drama?” set to release on September 19.
Despite her exhaustion, Cardi found some humor in the situation, stating, “You know what, I thought it was very, very funny.” However, she expressed frustration over having to attend court amidst her busy album preparations. She lamented missing her child’s first day of school, noting the public nature of the trial added a layer of stress. Cardi was able to find a silver lining, suggesting that the media attention might bring “positive press” despite the stressful circumstances.
On September 2, the jury ruled in Cardi’s favor, finding her not liable for the charges brought against her. She firmly maintained her innocence, declaring, “I did not touch that woman,” and criticized the lawsuit as “frivolous.” Her declaration underscores Cardi’s stance against what she perceived as baseless claims, emphasizing her belief in the importance of standing up against such allegations.
The legal battle stemmed from an incident in 2018 where Ellis alleged that Cardi assaulted her outside a Beverly Hills medical facility. Cardi refuted these claims, asserting that the altercation was only verbal and initiated by Ellis, who allegedly filmed her without permission while she was pregnant with her first child. This testimony played a significant part in her defense, highlighting her experience and point of view during the confrontation, which she contended did not escalate into physical violence.
In her post-trial remarks, Cardi issued a warning to potential litigants who might consider pursuing similar legal action against her in the future. “This time around, I’m going to be nice,” she stated, but added a more assertive tone by implying that future frivolous lawsuits would face repercussions, such as countersuing, as she seeks to protect her and her family’s reputation.
Overall, Cardi B’s courtroom experience serves as both a personal challenge and a chapter in her ongoing narrative as an artist navigating the highs and lows of fame. Her combination of candidness about her sleepiness during the trial and her determination to combat frivolous lawsuits showcases her resilience while demonstrating the complexities of balancing a demanding career with personal responsibilities.
