Nicki Minaj has sparked fresh backlash after directing a homophobic slur at gay journalist Don Lemon in response to his reporting on a protest at a Minnesota church.
The 43‑year‑old rapper took to X on Monday, 19 January, posting in all caps about Lemon after he live‑streamed coverage of demonstrators interrupting a Sunday service at Cities Church. Protesters were responding to the reported presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the state and alleged links between the church’s pastor and ICE.
Tensions in Minnesota have been heightened following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross.
In her post, Minaj used an offensive homophobic slur as an apparent nickname for Lemon and labelled him “disgusting”, adding: “HOW DARE YOU?” She went on to say she wanted him “in jail”, writing: “HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION. LOCK HIM UP!!!!!”
The post was accompanied by an image of a Chucky doll — a visual Minaj has previously used when attacking political figures, including California Governor Gavin Newsom over his support for trans children.
Lemon, who married his partner Tim Malone in 2024, responded to the remarks while speaking with TMZ.
“I’m not surprised Nicki Minaj does not understand journalism and is weighing in on matters that are above her capacity,” he said, adding that a more fitting image for her post would be a “‘Pick Me’ doll”.
Pattern of Anti‑LGBTQ+ Commentary
Minaj’s comments come amid a growing series of controversies tied to her increasingly vocal support for Republican President Donald Trump and MAGA politics.
Last year, she shared and praised Trump’s statements about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, saying she felt “a deep sense of gratitude” for his stance. When fans — many of whom are LGBTQ+ — criticised her support, Minaj doubled down.
Responding to one fan, she wrote: “Imagine hearing that Christians are being persecuted & not being able to have empathy for THEM b/c you are blinded by your own personal obsession with Trump… This says more about you than him, my darling.”
In another reply, she added: “Imagine hearing that Christians are being MURDERED & making it about you being gay.”
Minaj also shared anti‑trans content from the White House soundtracked to her song Va Va Voom, further fuelling criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates.
‘She Is Not Our Friend’
The backlash intensified after Minaj appeared on stage at a Turning Point USA event, where she said she publicly supported Trump because she was “tired of being pushed around”. She described MAGA supporters as the “cool kids” and claimed the Trump administration was “full of people with heart and soul”.
Her remarks, including comments such as “Boys will be boys”, were widely condemned by LGBTQ+ audiences.
Around the same time, an old clip resurfaced of Heidi N Closet from RuPaul’s Drag Race, in which she jokingly dubbed the rapper “MAGA Minaj”. Heidi later tagged Minaj online, writing: “So it was more then [sic] just my hair and makeup you hated.” Minaj responded by correcting her grammar.
Calls for a boycott have since gained traction. Pride UK posted a statement urging venues not to play Minaj’s music.
“She is not our friend,” the post read. “Dear LGBTQ+ Venues… Please refrain from playing any Nicki Minaj music.”
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