Exploring Nicki Minaj’s Biggest Controversies and Scandals

Nicki Minaj has been a prominent rapper for over 15 years. Throughout her career, Minaj has accumulated substantial wealth and recognition as a rap artist, but she has also garnered significant controversies.

One of the most notable controversies surrounding Nicki involves her husband being a registered sex offender, which resulted in a lawsuit being filed against her three years ago (though it was eventually dismissed). Additionally, she faced backlash for baailing her brother out of prison on charges of sexual assault, further complicating her public image.

Here’s a closer look at the major scandals that have marked the career of the “Hey Mama”rapper.

Major Controversies Surrounding Nicki Minaj

December 2015: Nicki Minaj Bailed Her Brother Out on Rape Charges

On December 1, Nicki Minaj’s brother, Jelani Maraj, was arrested in Nassau County, New York, facing first-degree rape and first-degree sexual conduct charges against a child, as reported by USA Today.

According to court documents, the child victim was under 13 years old and suffered multiple instances of abuse. Just two days after his arrest, the 37-year-old reportedly experienced an unknown medical issue and required arraignment in a Long Island hospital.

Documentation from the court revealed that Nicki Minaj paid $100,000 for her brother’s bail on December 4. The bail was secured by two properties in Baldwin, one owned by Minaj’s mother and the other by her brother.

Nicki also covered additional fees of $6,000 to $10,000 associated with the bond. Reports from Page Six on December 5, 2015, indicated that Minaj was determined to assist her brother despite the serious allegations.

Celebrities’ bail bondsman Ira Judelson managed Maraj’s bail process, reportedly at Nicki’s insistence. Both Judelson and Maraj’s defense attorneys declined to comment on the intricate details of the case.

August 2021: The Jennifer Hough Lawsuit Incident

In August 2021, Jennifer Hough, who alleged she was a victim of sexual assault by Kenneth Petty, Nicki Minaj’s husband, initiated a lawsuit against the couple.

Filed in Brooklyn’s federal court, the lawsuit claimed that associates of the “Swalla”rapper contacted Hough and her family, attempting to secure a denial statement from her.

In exchange for Hough issuing a denial regarding the incident involving Kenneth Petty, she was allegedly offered $20,000 and a video of Nicki Minaj wishing her daughter a “happy birthday.”

The lawsuit also implicated Petty for his assault incident from 1994. A few months later, Minaj was reportedly removed from the lawsuit.

September 2021: Nicki Minaj’s Vaccination Controversy

On September 14, Nicki Minaj tweeted about declining an invitation to the Met Gala due to mandatory vaccination requirements. Her hesitance regarding vaccinations contributed to a widespread sense of distrust.

Shortly after, the “Superbass”rapper tweeted an account from her cousin in Trinidad, claiming a friend had severe side effects—specifically, swollen testicles—from the vaccine, which led to his wedding cancellation.

This statement attracted swift criticism from MSNBC host Joy Reid and Trinidad & Tobago’s Health Minister, Terrence Deyalsingh, who asserted that the vaccine did not cause such side effects. They highlighted Minaj’s discouragement of vaccination as a concerning use of her platform as a celebrity.

May 2024: Nicki Minaj’s Amsterdam Detainment

During the “Pink Friday 2″tour, Nicki Minaj arrived in Amsterdam and performed at the Ziggo Dome on May 24. After the concert, she was detained at Schiphol Airport due to reported possession of “soft drugs”in her luggage.

The 41-year-old was consequently arrested and spent about six hours in custody before being fined and released, allowing her to continue her travels.

The delay led to the cancellation of her Manchester show, for which she publicly blamed airport authorities, claiming they were “paid big money”to sabotage her event.

Currently, Nicki Minaj is in the final leg of the “Pink Friday 2″tour, which is set to conclude in the U.S. on October 11. She has also teased that the announcement for her upcoming sixth studio album will be revealed soon.

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