Los Angeles, September 2, 2025 — Rapper Cardi B is in the midst of a high-profile civil trial involving a $24 million lawsuit filed by former security guard Emani Ellis. The case stems from an incident in 2018 in the hallway of a Beverly Hills obstetrician’s office, where Cardi B was approximately four months pregnant and seeking to keep her pregnancy private.

Ellis alleges that Cardi B assaulted her by scratching her face with a long fingernail, striking her head, face, and body, and spitting on her during a confrontation that took place after Ellis allegedly tried to record the rapper on her phone without consent. The security guard claims this encounter led to physical injuries requiring medical treatment and psychological effects including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Ellis also accuses Cardi B of employing racial slurs during the altercation and retaliating to get her fired from her security job.

Cardi B has denied all allegations of physical assault, testifying that Ellis was the aggressor who followed her, recorded her, and verbally provoked a heated exchange. The rapper maintained that the interaction lasted about 60 to 90 seconds, involved no physical contact, and was limited to a verbal spat. Cardi B’s lawyers have highlighted inconsistencies in Ellis’s account, such as changing descriptions of the location of injuries and the lack of immediate medical or photographic evidence. Cardi also pointed to testimony from a doctor’s receptionist and obstetrician who did not witness any injuries on Ellis and who described Ellis as the instigator of the incident.

Recently, a judge issued rulings favorable to Cardi B’s defense, limiting some evidence against her. The court also allowed jurors to ask their own questions during testimony, adding an unusual dynamic to the proceedings. Closing arguments were anticipated to start by early September 2025.

The trial has attracted widespread media attention for its mix of celebrity drama and serious legal questions. Cardi B’s candid courtroom demeanor and her signature style, including her distinctive fingernails, were key elements of her testimony and the case. Both sides have presented sharply contrasting versions of events, and jurors will face the difficult task of determining the truth of allegations that could reshape both parties’ lives.

As of now, the jury has not yet rendered a verdict, and the case remains active with the final decision pending.

Angie Lin, a multidisciplinary artist and graduate of USC School of Cinematic Arts, is making a remarkable mark as a finalist at the 2025 Houston Comedy Film Festival with her deeply personal and inspiring indie film, Cost of Joy. Drawing from her own life’s toughest moments, Angie crafts a story about hitting rock bottom and finding joy in the smallest things—a theme many can relate to in today’s chaotic world.

Angie’s career began as an actress, with international recognition for award-winning indie films such as Dive Into The Blue and Manchukuo, 1943, Summer. She was a series regular on The Plaza, a Cpics TV original, and has appeared in commercials for Xfinity and NBA Finals. Recently, Angie has expanded into theater, stunts, editing, writing, and directing. She has performed at The Group Rep theater in North Hollywood and starred alongside top stunt professionals worldwide. She is also set to train at the 2025 Jackie Chan Stunt Team Action Film Camp. Passionate about exploring mental health and spirituality through her projects, Angie uses art to spread love and joy and inspire positive outlooks on life.

At the festival, Angie sat down with Roselyn Omaka, the festival’s director, to discuss her heartfelt film and creative process. Angie shared:

“My film, Cost of Joy, is about the dip before the rise in life. It’s very personal—it’s about a series of trauma I went through, that lowest of lowest point before it shifted my perspective and I started to appreciate the little things and found joy.”

What makes Angie’s story even more inspiring is how she brought this film to life almost entirely on her own. She wrote, directed, edited, and starred in the project herself. Budget constraints pushed her to wear many hats, but Angie views this as a creative advantage:

“When you don’t have a budget, you gotta do everything yourself. It was easier because it’s so hard to get everyone’s schedule aligned. With a whole team, it takes months to plan things; solo, I already know what I want so it doesn’t take 20 takes per scene—usually two or three.”

Her drive to act fast on ideas comes with a sense of urgency inspired by creative legends:

“I would get these images and think, ‘I need to make this happen because if I don’t, somebody else will.’”

Angie encourages others not to let perfectionism or budget stop them:

“You can make it happen, even if you have a very low budget or you’re a one-person team. Don’t let your ideas sit and get forgotten.”

Recently, Angie trained at Jackie Chan’s stunt camp in Beijing, learning martial arts and action filmmaking from top industry pros. This rich experience intensified her desire to mentor emerging filmmakers, with plans to become an executive producer and create a nonprofit supporting new artists.

Angie also highlighted the importance of authenticity in collaboration:

“People can sense when you’re being fake or desperate, and it turns them off. If you’re passionate and authentic, people will naturally want to collaborate.”

Angie Lin’s journey and Cost of Joy exemplify the spirit of indie filmmaking: courage, creativity, and unwavering commitment to telling one’s story. Her film stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration at the Houston Comedy Film Festival.

Follow Angie’s inspiring journey on Instagram @angielinofficial.

#CostOfJoy #HoustonComedyFilmFestival #IndieFilm #WomenInFilm #AngieLin #Filmmaking #Inspiration

The ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni continues to unravel with new revelations that deepen the complexity of their dispute. What initially appeared as allegations centered around harassment and unsafe working conditions has now morphed into a story about power struggles, creative control, and a highly charged production environment behind the scenes of their highly anticipated film.

The Power Struggle Behind the Scenes

Newly released texts from early 2024 reveal that the root of the conflict was not simply workplace harassment, but a fierce struggle over who would control the film’s direction. According to messages from Justin Baldoni to his production team, the production was being “held hostage” due to Blake Lively’s claims, which Baldoni described as an attempt to gain power over the project. The texts suggest that Blake and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, sought to leverage the film as a platform not only to showcase their brands—ranging from hair care products to Ryan’s gin company—but also to create a cultural phenomenon reminiscent of successful franchises like “Deadpool” and “Barbenheimer.”

This tension was palpable both on and off the set, with Justin’s team expressing concern about how the situation was impacting the production and his own role as a filmmaker.

Justin Baldoni’s Response: Protecting Reputation Amidst Allegations

Throughout the legal proceedings, Baldoni has maintained that his team did not participate in any public attacks against Lively. Text messages exchanged between Justin and his PR representatives indicate a conscious effort to avoid smearing Blake, emphasizing instead the goal of protecting the film’s integrity and the reputation of its author, Colleen Hoover.

One notable incident involved attempts to counter negative media narratives that painted Ryan Reynolds as saving a “disastrous” script. Baldoni’s PR team actively worked to flip this narrative, asserting that the production was progressing well before any reported conflicts. These efforts were part of a broader strategy to preserve Baldoni’s creative vision and public image amid growing controversy.

Expanding the Lawsuit: New Accusations and Subpoenas

The legal dispute has expanded beyond the principal parties, with Isabella Fair, the actress portraying young Blake Lively, entering the fray. She has accused Baldoni of harassment—a claim her representatives say is a response to subpoenas issued as part of the broader discovery process. Numerous other subpoenas have been sent to journalists, podcasters, and commentators, signaling the extensive scope of this legal battle.

Fair’s case underscores how the lawsuit is drawing in many individuals connected to the production, and how litigation maneuvers are escalating the tension across the board.

What’s Next? Awaiting More Revelations

One of the most eagerly anticipated developments is the possible release of text messages involving singer Taylor Swift. A judge has approved their release, but as of yet, they have not been made public. Should these communications emerge, they could provide new insights into the dispute and potentially shift public perception of the case.

For now, the legal battle remains a high-stakes contest over narrative control, reputation, and the future of a film mired in controversy. Both parties are fighting to shape how the story is told, with each side presenting its own version of events to the court and the public.

As the drama unfolds, fans and observers continue to watch closely, awaiting the next chapter in what has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most talked-about legal conflicts