Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Nicki Minaj
Public opinion and media debates around Nicki Minaj—discover key moments of controversy.
Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, is a highly influential Trinidadian-born rapper, singer, and songwriter. Often hailed as the "Queen of Rap", she rose to prominence in the late 2000s with a series of mixtapes and is recognized for her unique flow, lyrical wit, versatility, and use of alter egos. Minaj is widely credited with spearheading the resurgence of female rap into the mainstream during the early 2010s, solidifying her position as a major force in contemporary music and pop culture.
1995: Kenneth Petty's conviction
In 1995, Kenneth Petty, Nicki Minaj's husband, was convicted of attempted rape at age 16.
February 2011: Lil' Kim's "Black Friday" Mixtape
In February 2011, Lil' Kim released the mixtape Black Friday, which referenced Minaj and included artwork depicting Lil' Kim decapitating Minaj, marking the start of controversies.
August 7, 2011: Wardrobe Malfunction on Good Morning America
On August 7, 2011, Nicki Minaj experienced a wardrobe malfunction during a performance on Good Morning America, resulting in apologies from both ABC and Minaj.
2014: "Anaconda" Controversy
In 2014, the cover art and music video for Nicki Minaj's single, "Anaconda", attracted significant media attention upon release.
2018: Altercation with Cardi B
In 2018, at a New York Fashion Week after-party, rapper Cardi B threw a shoe at Nicki Minaj and attempted to physically attack her, leading to a public feud and accusations of cyberbullying.
2018: Controversy over Sexuality Discussion
In a 2018 interview, Nicki Minaj discussed sex workers, her own sex appeal, and sexuality in music and on social media, which attracted criticism.
2018: Roman's Revenge Origin
In a 2018 interview, Nicki Minaj explained that she wrote the song "Roman's Revenge" after "a veteran got at me, and I hit them with 'Roman's Revenge' and then I kept on going."
2019: Pulls Out of Concert in Saudi Arabia
In 2019, Nicki Minaj pulled out of headlining a concert in Saudi Arabia following online backlash from activists, after women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul was detained.
February 2020: Kenneth Petty Indictment
In February 2020, Kenneth Petty was indicted for failing to update his residence on the sex offender registry after moving to California.
August 2021: Lawsuit filed against Minaj and Petty
In August 2021, Jennifer Hough filed a lawsuit against Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty alleging harassment, intimidation, and infliction of emotional distress.
September 2021: COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
In September 2021, Nicki Minaj tweeted about her cousin's friend experiencing swollen testicles and impotence after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, leading to backlash and a denial from Trinidad and Tobago's health minister.
January 26, 2024: Megan Thee Stallion Releases "Hiss"
On January 26, 2024, Megan Thee Stallion released the song "Hiss", which was believed to include jabs at Nicki Minaj and her husband, sparking a response from Minaj.
April 2024: Alleged Assault Incident on Pink Friday 2 Tour
In April 2024, Brandon Garrett, then working as a day-to-day manager on Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday 2 tour, claims Minaj struck him multiple times after he had another employee collect her prescription. He also alleges that Minaj's former manager informed him he would not continue on the tour.
May 25, 2024: Minaj Detained at Amsterdam Airport for Marijuana Possession
On May 25, 2024, Nicki Minaj was detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam after marijuana was found in her luggage. She was attempting to board a plane to Manchester, England for a concert. She was fined and subsequently released the same day.
January 2025: Lawsuit Filed Against Minaj by Former Tour Employee
In January 2025, Brandon Garrett, a former tour employee, filed a lawsuit against Nicki Minaj alleging assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Minaj's lawyer denied the allegations.
