Judge Denies Cardi B Accuser New Trial After Pen-Toss Incident Outside Court

In a dramatic courtroom saga, a judge has rejected Cardi B accuser’s bid for a new trial despite a pen-throwing incident stirring controversy.

When Courtroom Drama Meets Celebrity Flair

If you’re a fan of Cardi B, you know her life is anything but boring—and her recent court case was no exception. A Los Angeles judge has just put a full stop on Emani Ellis’s hopes for a retrial against the rapper after she accused Cardi B of assault. The twist? Cardi B tossed a pen outside the courtroom—and it sparked a legal debate.

Cardi B bringing the heat on stage.

The Assault Allegation That Rocked Beverly Hills

Back in September, Emani Ellis, a security guard, took Cardi B to court alleging that the rapper assaulted her in a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office hallway in 2018. This office visit was during a secret pregnancy Cardi B was trying to keep under wraps while expecting her first child with Offset, the Migos star.

Ellis claimed that Cardi B cut her cheek with a three-inch nail and spat on her, leaving her "deeply traumatised". While Cardi admitted to a verbal spat, she firmly denied any physical assault, explaining she was trying to protect her pregnancy news from leaking, as Ellis allegedly recorded her without consent.

A Swift Verdict in Cardi’s Favor

After less than an hour of jury deliberation, the verdict came down in Cardi’s favor. But the story didn’t end there. Ellis requested a new trial, arguing Cardi had "intimidated" jurors by throwing a pen at a reporter while speaking to the media.

Cardi’s legal team slammed this claim as “baseless” and “absurd,” insisting the request be dismissed immediately. On December 5, Judge Ian C. Fusselman agreed, firmly denying Ellis's plea for a retrial.

“Even if plaintiff had provided sufficient evidence of these asserted facts,” the judge wrote, “the court finds unpersuasive the speculation that defendant’s purported action of throwing a pen could have ‘intimidated’ the jurors into finding against Plaintiff given the nature of Plaintiff’s claims.”

The Pen Toss That Made Headlines

You’ve got to admit, Cardi’s pen toss made waves beyond the courtroom!

😱 Cardi B Angrily Throws Pen After Asked About Offset-Stefon Diggs Triangle

🔗 https://t.co/MSw0IFP0ib pic.twitter.com/C9tUdzUb78

— TMZ (@TMZ) September 2, 2025

This viral moment showed Cardi’s fiery side, but the judge concluded it wasn’t enough to sway justice.

Lingering Questions About Trial Conduct

One piece left unwrapped by the judge’s decision was the conduct of Ellis’s attorney, Rosen Janfaza. Cardi’s team accused Janfaza of misconduct for questioning the rapper about gang affiliations during testimony. The judge postponed ruling on this matter, promising a decision in the coming weeks.

Cardi’s Courtroom Wit Stole the Show

The trial itself brought the internet some legendary Cardi moments. Fans couldn’t get enough of her witty remarks and facial expressions during cross-examination.

In one memorable exchange, when asked how she knew Ellis was physically bigger than her, Cardi pointed to her eyes, then tossed her hair and proudly said, “I was 130 pounds at that time.” Social media loved that one.

She also got grilled about her ever-changing hair—from a cropped black wig one day to a long blonde wig the next.

“Which one is your real hair? Or are they both real?” the lawyer asked.

Laughing, Cardi clarified, “They’re wigs.” The lawyer’s response? “Okay. Sorry, I didn’t know that. It’s a good wig today, then.”

Many observers noted the attorney’s approach had undertones that felt misogynistic and racially tinged, especially with the comments about wigs and nails.

Cardi’s Latest Music and Promotions

Amid the legal rollercoaster, Cardi dropped her latest album, Am I The Drama? The album received mixed reviews, with some critics calling it “overstuffed and underwhelming.” One review summed it up as:

“Ultimately, ‘Am I The Drama?’ is palatable enough for a one-time listen, but nothing here demands a replay... a bloated, soulless shell that never finds its own voice.”

Despite the critique, the album boasts star-studded features including Cash Cobain, Janet Jackson, Kehlani, Lizzo, Selena Gomez, Summer Walker, Tyla, and Megan Thee Stallion.

In typical Cardi style, she promoted the album in unique ways, like recording public service announcements for the New York City subway, reminding passengers to “ride safe, keep it cute, and keep it moving.”

Cardi B’s special Courtroom Edition vinyl for ‘Am I The Drama?’

Wrapping Up the Legal Drama

Cardi B’s legal saga might be winding down in court, but her larger-than-life personality and music career continue to dominate headlines. From courtroom comedy gold to a pen toss that almost sparked a retrial, Cardi keeps us on our toes.

What’s your take on the judge’s ruling? Did the pen toss really come close to intimidating jurors, or was it just a dramatic moment blown out of proportion? Drop your thoughts below!

FAQ

• What was Cardi B accused of in the lawsuit?
  Cardi B was accused by security guard Emani Ellis of assaulting her in a Beverly Hills doctor’s office hallway in 2018.
• Why did Ellis want a new trial?
  Ellis claimed Cardi B intimidated jurors by throwing a pen at a reporter outside the courtroom.
• Did the judge agree with Ellis’s new trial request?
  No. Judge Ian C. Fusselman denied the request, calling the intimidation claim “unpersuasive.”
• What was controversial about the attorney’s questioning?
  Cardi’s lawyers accused the opposing attorney of misconduct for asking about gang affiliations and making remarks about Cardi’s wigs and nails.
• How was Cardi B’s album 'Am I The Drama?' received?
  The album received mixed reviews, with some critics calling it overstuffed and lacking a clear voice, though it includes many high-profile guest features.

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