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-American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Widely recognized as the "Queen of Rap," she's celebrated for her unique rap flow, clever lyrics, and musical versatility. Minaj is also known for her use of alter egos and is credited with revitalizing female rap in the mainstream during the 2010s. She remains a prominent figure in contemporary music and pop culture.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1995: Kenneth Petty's Conviction

In 1995, Nicki Minaj's husband, Kenneth Petty, was convicted of attempted rape at age 16, serving four years in prison and registering as a sex offender upon release.

February 2011: Lil' Kim Releases Black Friday Mixtape

In February 2011, Lil' Kim released the mixtape Black Friday, which referenced Minaj, including artwork depicting Lil' Kim decapitating Minaj with a sword. Lil' Kim sold the mixtape on PayPal.

August 7, 2011: Wardrobe Malfunction on Good Morning America

On August 7, 2011, Nicki Minaj experienced a wardrobe malfunction during a live performance on Good Morning America, revealing her left nipple. Both ABC and Minaj apologized for the incident.

2014: Controversy Surrounds "Anaconda" Release

In 2014, Nicki Minaj's cover art and music video for her single, "Anaconda", attracted significant media attention upon release, sparking discussions about sexuality and feminism.

February 2017: Features on 'Make Love' and 'Swalla'; Remy Ma releases 'Shether'

In February 2017, Nicki Minaj was featured on Gucci Mane's song "Make Love" and Jason Derulo's single "Swalla" alongside Ty Dolla Sign. Also in February 2017, rapper Remy Ma released the diss track "Shether", alleging that Minaj used a ghostwriter and was in a 360-record deal.

2017: Feud with Cardi B

In 2017, Nicki Minaj began a widely publicized feud with fellow rapper Cardi B.

August 10, 2018: Releases 'Queen'

On August 10, 2018, Nicki Minaj's album Queen was released after multiple delays and debuted at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200.

2018: Minaj discusses sex workers and sexuality

In 2018, Nicki Minaj discussed sex workers, her own sex appeal, and sexuality in music and on social media, during an interview, which attracted criticism.

2018: Altercation at New York Fashion Week

In 2018, the feud between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B escalated at a New York Fashion Week after-party where Cardi B threw a high heel shoe at Minaj, leading to a physical altercation and subsequent accusations of cyberbullying and career manipulation on Minaj's Queen Radio show.

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2019: Pulling out of Saudi Arabia concert

In 2019, Nicki Minaj cancelled her headlining performance in Saudi Arabia following criticism due to the detainment and arrest of women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul. She stated that it was important for her to make clear her support for the rights of women, the LGBTQ community, and freedom of expression.

February 2020: Indictment of Kenneth Petty

In February 2020, Kenneth Petty, Nicki Minaj's husband, was indicted for failing to update his residence on the sex offender registry after moving to California; he registered in the state's database by the following month.

August 2021: Lawsuit Filed Against Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty

In August 2021, Jennifer Hough, who accused Kenneth Petty of rape when they were both 16, filed a lawsuit against Nicki Minaj and her husband alleging harassment, intimidation, and infliction of emotional distress. The case against Minaj was voluntarily dismissed after she responded to the allegations, calling them "blatant falsehoods".

September 2021: COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy and Controversy

In September 2021, Nicki Minaj cited concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and her infant child's health as reasons for her lack of public appearances. She revealed she had tested positive for COVID-19 and would get vaccinated after research, also tweeting a controversial claim about vaccine side effects from her cousin in Trinidad, which was later denied by 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 Minaj and her husband, starting a feud between the two artists.

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April 2024: Alleged Assault on Tour Employee

In April 2024, Brandon Garrett, a former tour employee, alleged that Nicki Minaj struck him multiple times on her Pink Friday 2 tour after he had another employee collect her prescription in his place.

May 25, 2024: Detainment at Schiphol Airport

On May 25, 2024, Nicki Minaj was detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands, after marijuana was found in her luggage. She was fined and released the same day, and was on her way to perform a concert in Manchester, England.

January 2025: Lawsuit Filed by Former Tour Employee

In January 2025, a lawsuit was filed against Nicki Minaj by Brandon Garrett, a former tour employee, alleging assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress related to an incident in April 2024 on her Pink Friday 2 tour. Minaj's lawyer denied the allegations as false and frivolous.