Nicki Minaj under fire over derogatory remarks

Rapper Nicki Minaj is facing criticism after using a homophobic slur to attack former CNN anchor, Don Lemon, on social media over his coverage of a protest in Minnesota that disrupted a church service.

Last Sunday, Lemon posted a video showing him interviewing protesters shortly before they interrupted the service, chanting “ICE out.”

The protest, reportedly led by civil rights lawyer Nekima Levy Armstrong, sought to expose one of the church’s leaders, who is alleged to be an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, while also drawing attention to his dual role.

The demonstration came just weeks after Renee Good was shot and killed by ICE.

@resisterisback

#riprenee🕊️ #Reneegood #rip #justiceforrenee #everybodyhurts

♬ Everybody Hurts – R.E.M.

Lemon, who is openly gay, has defended his decision to livestream and interview the protesters, using the moment to respond to Minaj’s remarks.

“This is clearly out of her depth. She doesn’t understand politics. She doesn’t understand journalism…”

Don Lemon responds to Nicki Minaj’s post calling for his arrest. pic.twitter.com/r0RkcQXeC9

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) January 20, 2026

The incident has further divided Minaj’s fan base, as she becomes increasingly vocal about politics, particularly her conservative views and support for President Donald Trump.

Nicki Minaj is now openly Homophobic, I’d love to see the “Barbz” explain this one away. https://t.co/f8raqGbTTV

— 🤍🇺🇸🎸🌈 (@KeshaFanForevr) January 20, 2026

Now that entire media leg posting that “slur” lie lol 😂 mannnn Nicki can tear these ppl up ,these be full blown smear campaigns ,these media outlets are careless and tacky .

— 𝓝𝓲𝓴𝓴𝓲 ᴺᴹ (@TaTa_Onika) January 19, 2026

i’m watching these people dog pile on Nicki Minaj, but those same people haven’t said anything about a very rich and powerful and popular pastor that supports a certain movement and the very popular/wealthy people that support those pastors #Hypocrisy

— Qweets (@Quetts) January 20, 2026

https://www.tiktok.com/@soulanii_the_dream/video/7597202455817981239?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7537779893658387974

@itsdwightthomas

#nickiminaj is upset again. But this time at #donlemon

♬ original sound – itsdwightthomas