Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Nicki Minaj

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 22, 2026

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 rapper, singer, and songwriter. Recognized as the "Queen of Rap," she's celebrated for her unique rap flow, clever lyrics, versatility, and use of alter egos. Minaj is widely credited with spearheading the revival of female rap's popularity in mainstream music from the 2010s onward.

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

February 2011: Lil' Kim Releases Black Friday Mixtape

In February 2011, Lil' Kim released the mixtape Black Friday, referencing Nicki Minaj, including artwork that showed Lil' Kim decapitating Minaj with a sword and lyrics dissing her.

August 10, 2018: Release of Queen Album

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

2018: Minaj on Roman's Revenge

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: Pulling Out of Saudi Arabia Concert

In 2019, Nicki Minaj pulled out of headlining a concert in Saudi Arabia after online backlash from activists due to the detention and arrest of women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul. She expressed support for women's rights, the LGBTQ community, and freedom of expression.

August 2021: Lawsuit Filed Against Couple

In August 2021, Jennifer Hough, Petty's accuser, filed a lawsuit against Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty alleging harassment, intimidation, and emotional distress. Hough eventually dismissed the case against Minaj.

September 2021: COVID-19 and Vaccination Stance

In September 2021, Nicki Minaj explained her absence from public events due to COVID-19 concerns for her infant son, revealing she tested positive and had to quarantine. She stated she planned to get the COVID-19 vaccine after research. Her tweet about her cousin's friend in Trinidad experiencing swollen testicles and impotence after vaccination received backlash and was denied by Trinidad and Tobago's health minister.

August 12, 2022: Release of "Super Freaky Girl"

On August 12, 2022, Nicki Minaj released "Super Freaky Girl", which debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, marking Minaj's third US number-one and her first solo chart-topper.

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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.

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April 2024: Alleged Assault on Tour Employee

In April 2024, while working on her Pink Friday 2 tour, Nicki Minaj allegedly struck Brandon Garrett, a day-to-day manager, multiple times. He claimed he was then informed by Minaj's former manager that he would not be joining the tour for their next date. Minaj's lawyer denied the allegations.

May 25, 2024: Detained at Amsterdam Airport

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

January 2025: Lawsuit Filed 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.

November 2025: Denouncing Violence Against Christians in Nigeria and Speech at the UN

In November 2025, Nicki Minaj denounced violence against Christians in Nigeria on social media. She later delivered a speech at the United Nations advocating for an end to religious violence, gaining media attention for her support of Donald Trump's stance on the issue.

December 2025: Criticism of Gavin Newsom's Statement

In December 2025, Nicki Minaj criticized California governor Gavin Newsom's statement about wanting to "see trans kids", arguing for healthy, safe, and happy children.