Nicki Minaj is one of the most influential and commercially successful female rappers in hip-hop history. She has chart-topping hits, a loyal fanbase and has shaped
pop culture for over a decade. Nicki has achieved what few can on a global platform. However, Minaj’s career has also been repeatedly overshadowed by controversy. From explosive public feuds and violent altercations to highly criticised personal and political decisions, the rapper has often found herself at the centre of heated debates. Most recently, her public praise of US President Donald Trump has received mixed reactions online, after the rapper called herself Trump's 'Number One fan'. It is a fact that that controversy and Nicki Minaj have long gone hand in hand. Here’s a look at five of her biggest and most talked-about controversies.
Nicki Minaj's Public Feud With Miley Cyrus At The VMAs
One of Nicki Minaj’s most viral confrontations unfolded at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards. The tension began when Miley Cyrus, then hosting the VMAs, commented in an interview that Minaj’s complaints about award show snubs came across as aggressive and unkind. Cyrus suggested Minaj could have expressed herself more politely and with empathy.
Minaj did not let the remarks slide. While accepting her award on stage, she directly called out Cyrus in front of a live audience, confronting her over the comments she had made in the press. The moment instantly went viral, sparking debates about respect, tone-policing, and how outspoken women in music are perceived. Cyrus attempted to defuse the situation by claiming interviews often twist words, but the damage had already been done, cementing the incident as one of the VMAs’ most unforgettable clashes.
Explosive Fallout With Cardi B
The feud between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B remains one of hip-hop’s most infamous rivalries. Rumours of tension surfaced soon after Cardi’s meteoric rise in 2017, with fans speculating that Minaj was unhappy about another dominant female rapper entering the spotlight.
Things escalated through cryptic lyrics, social media comments, and public denials, until it all came to a head at a New York Fashion Week party in 2018. According to eyewitnesses, a heated argument turned physical, with Cardi attempting to confront Minaj and throwing a shoe in her direction. Cardi was later photographed with a visible injury on her forehead.
Cardi later accused Minaj of making remarks about her infant daughter and questioning her abilities as a mother. Minaj strongly denied these claims, stating she would never speak about anyone’s child and expressed shock that such accusations were levelled against her. Despite attempts to move on, the incident permanently fractured their relationship and dominated headlines for years, as both still take swipes at each other through social media.
Paying Bail For Her Brother Convicted Of Child S*xual Assault
One of the most damaging controversies in Minaj’s career involved her brother, Jelani Maraj. After he was arrested and charged with predatory s*xual assault against a child, Minaj faced intense backlash when reports surfaced that she had paid a substantial sum for his bail.
Maraj was later convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. While Minaj largely stayed silent publicly, her alleged financial support and jail visit drew harsh criticism. Reports claimed her visit was meant to support their mother rather than defend her brother, but the situation deeply affected her public image.
Relationship And Marriage To Kenneth Petty
Nicki Minaj’s relationship with Kenneth Petty also stirred major controversy. When she went public with the romance in 2018, fans were quick to point out Petty’s criminal past, including a conviction that resulted in him being registered as a s*x offender.
Minaj defended Petty online, arguing that the incident occurred when both parties were teenagers and accusing critics of judging her personal life unfairly. Despite widespread backlash, she stood firmly by him, later announcing her retirement plans to focus on family life. The couple married in 2019 and welcomed their son in 2020, though public scrutiny surrounding Petty never fully subsided.
Anti-Vaccine Comments
In 2021, Nicki Minaj sparked global outrage after sharing doubts about COVID-19 vaccines. She announced she would skip the Met Gala due to vaccine requirements and said she wanted to conduct her own research before getting vaccinated.
The backlash intensified when she shared an unverified story about a friend of her cousin allegedly suffering severe side effects after vaccination. Medical experts and health authorities quickly debunked the claims, stressing there was no evidence linking vaccines to infertility. Despite this, Minaj refused to retract her statements and instead accused journalists of targeting her, escalating the controversy even further.
Nicki Minaj’s career is a mix of talent, influence, and constant controversy. While her music might be universally loved, her off-stage actions and outspoken views often spark as much conversation as her chart success.
