Cardi B just scored a big win ahead of her upcoming assault trial. The judge overseeing the case has ruled that jurors won’t be allowed to hear about the rapper’s past as a stripper or any of her previous legal issues.
On Wednesday (July 30), Los Angeles County Judge Ian C. Fusselman issued the decision as Cardi prepares to face trial over an alleged 2018 assault involving former Beverly Hills Medical Center security guard Emani Ellis. According to Billboard, Fusselman stated:
“Defendant’s prior acts and alleged prior acts, as well as prior involvement in exotic dancing or any gang associations, have no apparent probative value, and any references thereto would be unduly prejudicial and likely to confuse the jury and result in an undue waste of time.”
The trial, scheduled to kick off on August 11, stems from Ellis’ claims that Cardi struck her and left her with facial injuries that required plastic surgery. The “Outside” rapper denies physically assaulting Ellis, saying they only argued after overhearing her talk about Cardi’s presence at the OBGYN clinic. Cardi, who was four months pregnant with daughter Kulture at the time, was trying to keep her pregnancy under wraps.
Judge Fusselman also ruled that the trial will be split into two phases: one to determine liability and, if necessary, a second to address damages.
Ellis first filed her lawsuit back in February 2020. Cardi B responded at the time with a post on X, questioning the allegations and pointing out inconsistencies.
“Why don’t you guys post the part where the doctor office said that that’s not what happen ? and if I assaulted why she didn’t press charges ? Why would I put my hands on some1 twice my size by myself while I’m experiencing sharp pain 4 months pregnant ?” the rapper wrote.
