Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 3, 2025 · Entertainment

Cardi B's Courtroom Edition: Turning Trial Drama into Album Gold!

Cardi B has announced a new 'courtroom edition' of her latest album Am I The Drama?, after going viral for her antics on the stand during her civil assault trial

Cardi B's Courtroom Drama: Rapper Turned Reality TV Star with Viral Antics and a $24 Million Lawsuit

In a shocking turn of events, Cardi B has announced a 'courtroom edition' of her upcoming album Am I The Drama?, capitalizing on the drama that unfolded in the courtroom during her civil assault trial. The 32-year-old rapper was cleared of any wrongdoing after a Los Angeles jury sided with her in a high-stakes $24 million lawsuit stemming from an alleged 2018 altercation.

But let's start at the beginning. Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Almánzar, was accused by security guard Emani Ellis of spitting on her, striking her, and even slashing her face with a fingernail after Ellis allegedly followed and filmed her at a doctor’s office in Beverly Hills.

Now she is cashing in on the fracas, unveiling limited edition CDs of Am I The Drama? with a selection of new covers made up of photos showing her at the trial

The lawsuit, which was filed in 2020, claimed that Cardi B's actions caused Ellis emotional distress and physical harm. But Cardi B was not having it. She took to the stand, sporting a series of eye-catching outfits and hairstyles, including a blonde wig and a polka dot blazer, which left fans and onlookers alike in stitches.

The Trial: A Tense Exchange of Words and Wits

As the trial began, Cardi B's lawyer presented a defense that claimed Ellis was not only a security guard but also an overzealous fan who had been trying to get close to the rapper. But Ellis' lawyer argued that Cardi B's actions were intentional and caused her client harm.

Three different covers of the 'courthouse' CD are available for pre-sale on Cardi's website, ahead of the album's official release September 19

The tension in the courtroom was palpable as the two women faced off against each other. At one point, Cardi B calmly stated, "Because I'm pregnant and this girl is about to f*ing beat my ass. Hello?" The exchange left the defense lawyer snapping back, "Hello! Hello, I'm here!"

But it was not all drama and tension. There were moments of levity as well. When asked if she had tried to take a swing at Ellis, Cardi B replied, "No," before adding, "At the moment, when you're pregnant, I'm very disabled. You want me to tell you things I can't do?" The courtroom erupted in laughter.

The Verdict: A Mixed Bag

she has also made a vinyl version of the 'courtroom edition' available, with the original Am I The Drama? album cover but an image of her on the stand as the label on the actual disc

After days of testimony and deliberation, the jury finally delivered its verdict. While they found Cardi B not liable for any physical harm or emotional distress caused by Ellis, they did rule that the rapper had indeed used her celebrity status to get Ellis fired from her job as a security guard.

The verdict was met with a mix of reactions. Some fans hailed it as a victory for Cardi B and proof that she is not responsible for the allegations made against her. Others expressed disappointment and frustration, feeling that justice had not been served.

Cardi B's Post-Trial Statement: A Message to Her Fans

In a statement released after the trial, Cardi B expressed gratitude to her fans for their support and understanding. "I want to thank my beautiful fans for believing in me and supporting me throughout this ordeal," she said. "This has been a tough time for me, but I'm glad that justice has been served."

The Aftermath: A $24 Million Lawsuit and a New Album

While the trial may be over, its impact on Cardi B's career is still to be seen. The rapper has announced plans to release a new album, Am I The Drama?, which will feature songs inspired by her experiences in the courtroom.

But not everyone is celebrating. Ellis' lawyer has vowed to appeal the verdict and seek justice for his client. "This is far from over," he said. "We believe that Cardi B's actions were intentional and caused harm to our client."

The $24 Million Lawsuit: A Look Back

As the trial came to a close, many wondered how it all began. The lawsuit against Cardi B was filed in 2020 by Ellis, who claimed that she had been assaulted by the rapper at a doctor's office in Beverly Hills.

According to eyewitnesses, Ellis had approached Cardi B while she was leaving an appointment and began recording her on her phone. Cardi B allegedly asked her to stop, but Ellis continued to film. The two women got into an argument, which escalated until Cardi B allegedly spat on Ellis and struck her.

The lawsuit claimed that Cardi B's actions caused Ellis emotional distress and physical harm. But as the trial showed, there were differing accounts of what happened.

A Look at Cardi B's Past Controversies

This is not the first time that Cardi B has been involved in a high-profile controversy. In 2019, she was charged with two felony counts of assault for allegedly attacking two bartenders at Angel's Strip Club in Queens, New York.

Prosecutors claimed that the victims were targeted because they were having an affair with Cardi B's ex-husband, Offset. Cardi B eventually pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges and received 15 days of community service.

The case has left many wondering about the consequences of being a celebrity and the blurred lines between reality TV and real life.

The Future: A New Album and a Reality Show?

As Cardi B moves forward with her music career, there are rumors that she is also working on a new reality show. Sources close to the rapper have hinted that the show will feature her personal life and experiences in the courtroom.

While details of the show are still under wraps, fans can expect more drama, more controversy, and more Cardi B.

Fans were left shrieking with hilarity in the comments, where one wrote: 'go to hell cardi fr,' followed by a string of crying laughing emojis

In Conclusion: A Drama-Filled Trial That Will Leave You Talking

The trial of Cardi B versus Emani Ellis was a wild ride filled with twists and turns. From the moment it began, it was clear that this was not going to be a straightforward case.

With its mix of drama, tension, and humor, the trial has left fans and onlookers alike talking about what really happened in the courtroom.

The 32-year-old rapper was cleared of assault Tuesday after a Los Angeles jury sided with her in a high-stakes $24 million lawsuit stemming from an alleged 2018 altercation... and celebrated with a twerking video

One thing is for sure: Cardi B's court drama has only added fuel to her already sizzling celebrity status. With a new album on the horizon and rumors of a reality show swirling, it seems that this story is far from over.

Wearing a polka dot blazer, the rapper stripped down to a thong mid-video, shaking it for the camera while teasing her upcoming single Bodega Baddie

Cardi seemed to be in high spirits after all 12 jurors ¿ six men and six women ¿ agreed that she was not responsible for the assault, though it only required nine to vote in her favor

Tensions ran high during the star's viral civil assault trial, with the Bodak Yellow hitmaker ¿ who is now dating NFL player Stefon Diggs ¿ throwing a pen at a reporter who asked if she was pregnant outside an LA courthouse just before the verdict was reached

Moments of Cardi on trial have gone viral of her sassy responses, sarcastic facial expressions and even making the courtroom laugh on multiple occasions

Cardi was present inside the courtroom as Ellis testified, sporting a short hairdo and a black blazer

Cardi's witty personality sparked the entire courtroom to laugh on multiple occasions as she took to the stand

Cardi's 'blunt' and 'hilarious' facial expressions left fans in stiches as they watched the trail play out on social media

Cardi's sassy responses sparked a tense exchange with the defense attorney at many points in the trial this week

At one point, her blunt and to the point attitude forced the defense lawyer to snap back, leaving Cardi giggling and stunned to speak

Fans watching the trial on social media were left in hysterics over her 'careless' attitude on the stand, with one fan saying she should be offered more movie roles after appearing in Hustlers

Some even compared the 'hilarious' trial to a reality show, and one user said they could 'watch three seasons of this'

On Monday, Ellis testified that Cardi took a 'swing' at her, spit on her, and cut her cheek with her long fingernail