Rapper Nicki Minaj found herself in an acutely embarrassing situation after using the term 'assassin' to describe Vice President JD Vance while addressing the widow of a murdered political commentator.
An Unfortunate Choice of Words
The incident occurred on Sunday at the conservative AmFest event, where the 43-year-old 'Anaconda' singer, real name Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, was a guest speaker. During a segment where she was asked for a message to young men, Minaj first took a swipe at California Governor Gavin Newsom, telling the audience not to be like 'New-scum.'
She then continued, 'Young men, you have amazing role models like our handsome, dashing president. And you have amazing role models like the assassin JD Vance, our vice president.' A noticeable pause followed as Minaj appeared to realise the unfortunate implication of her words.
The comment was made in the presence of Erika Kirk, 37, the wife of the late Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk. The conservative influencer was shot dead in September in front of a crowd of 3,000 students at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson, 22, is currently on trial for the attack. Charlie Kirk is survived by Erika and their two children, who are kept out of the public eye.
A Gracious Response from a Widow
Erika Kirk was quick to defuse the tension, assuring Minaj there was 'nothing new under the sun' that she hadn't heard before. 'Trust me, there is nothing new under the sun that I have not heard. So you're fine… You let it roll right off your back,' Erika stated. She added, 'If the internet wants to clip it, who cares? I love this woman.'
This gracious response came despite past criticism from Charlie Kirk directed at Minaj. At a previous Turning Point USA event, he had labelled her 'not a good role model' for young women, even confusing her at one point with fellow rapper Cardi B and criticising the content of their music.
Broader Political Backdrop
The gaffe adds another layer to Minaj's recent and controversial foray into politics. The rapper has faced significant backlash for her vocal support for President Donald Trump, a notable shift from her earlier criticisms of him.
This alignment intensified last month when she accepted a role working with the Trump administration to 'spotlight' the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, praised her appointment on social media platform X, calling her a 'principled individual who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice.'
Minaj responded to the ambassador, writing, 'The Barbz [her fans] and I will never stand down in the face of injustice. We've been given our influence by God. There must be a bigger purpose.' Her political activities continue to polarise her fanbase and the public alike.
