Nicki Minaj Scandals: From Trump to Rapist Brother

Nicki Minaj has come under fire after publicly supporting Donald Trump despite the ongoing scandals surrounding his administration. However, as media reports, this is far from the first time the rapper has found herself in hot water.

One of Minaj«s long-standing conflicts is her feud with Miley Cyrus. In 2015, at the MTV VMA ceremony, while accepting an award, Nicki addressed host Cyrus from the stage, saying, »And now back to this bitch who had a lot to say about me in the press — Miley, what«s good?» Earlier, Miley had stated in an interview that Nicki was «not too kind» during her feud with Taylor Swift.

A serious backlash was caused by the story of the rapper«s brother, Jelani Maraj. Minaj helped him post bail after accusations of raping a minor, writing on social media that she would do anything for her brother»s smile. Five years later, Jelani was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison for child rape.

In 2012, Nicki«s performance at the Grammy Awards angered the Catholic Church. The rapper parodied an exorcism ritual, and on the red carpet, she appeared with a man dressed as a Catholic bishop. A representative of the Catholic League stated that such a performance insults religious feelings.

Minaj has criticized the Grammy Awards multiple times. She recalled being unfairly passed over for the Best New Artist award in favor of Bon Iver, and later expressed outrage when her song «Super Freaky Girl» was moved to the pop category, reducing its chances of winning. In 2025, she even declined an offer to join the Academy«s board.

At the 2019 Met Gala, Nicki appeared in a bold outfit with bondage elements, which many publications deemed unsuccessful and «ill-fitting.» Beyond fashion, her music has also been criticized; for example, conservative activist Charlie Kirk accused the rapper and other artists of «romanticizing vulgarity.»

The protracted conflict with Cardi B reached its peak in 2018 when a fight broke out between the rappers at New York Fashion Week. According to witnesses, Cardi B approached Nicki over rumors she was spreading, and then threw a high-heeled shoe at her. Later, Minaj admitted feeling humiliated after the incident.

Nicki«s marriage to Kenneth Petty in 2019 also sparked a wave of condemnation, as Petty was a registered sex offender and had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Minaj has repeatedly defended her husband, saying he loved her before fame and money.

Collaboration with Tekashi 6ix9ine, who had a criminal record for crimes against children and accusations of domestic violence, led to new criticism from fans. Minaj appeared in the music video for the song «Fefe,» which many found controversial.

During the pandemic, Nicki spread false claims about the COVID-19 vaccine, asserting, for example, that her cousin«s acquaintance had swollen testicles and became impotent after vaccination. Medical professionals refuted these rumors, urging the public to get vaccinated.

In December 2025, Minaj unexpectedly appeared at the conservative forum Turning Point USA, where she called Trump a «beautiful, charming president» and his administration «people with heart and soul.» Her words caused an awkward silence in the hall, despite host Erika Kirth«s attempts to defend the rapper.