Nicki Minaj has sparked controversy following an incident at Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest in Arizona on December 3, 2023. While sitting next to Erika Kirk, the widow of murdered conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Minaj mistakenly referred to Ohio Senator JD Vance as an “assassin” during a question-and-answer session.
The moment occurred when Minaj was asked for advice for the young men in the audience. She responded, “Dear 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.” As the words left her mouth, Minaj visibly realized the insensitivity of her comment, given that Erika Kirk’s husband was assassinated just months prior. She quickly covered her mouth and turned away in embarrassment.
In an attempt to ease the palpable tension, Erika Kirk remarked, “there is nothing new under the sun that I have not heard,” and reassured Minaj, saying, “I love you.” Kirk then addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of laughter in the face of awkwardness. “I have been called every single thing, and you know what? God is so good you let it roll right off your back,” she said.
Kirk described Minaj as an “amazing woman,” stating, “She has a soul and a heart for the Lord, and words are words. But I know her heart, and it doesn’t even matter.” This positive spin illustrates Kirk’s resilience and her ability to manage the situation with grace.
Minaj, who has gained prominence as a supporter of right-wing politics in recent years, has been vocal about her admiration for figures like Donald Trump and JD Vance. “We’re the cool kids,” she told the audience, contrasting herself with those who are “disgruntled.” She expressed her affection for both politicians, stating, “I love both of them. Both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to.”
Following her appearance at AmericaFest, Minaj experienced a significant drop in her social media following, reportedly losing hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram. Currently, her account appears to be deactivated, although she remains active on X, where she has shared photos from her time on stage with Erika Kirk.
The incident highlights the complexities of celebrity interactions in politically charged environments. Minaj’s slip of the tongue serves as a reminder of the sensitivity surrounding issues of violence and loss, especially in the context of recent events in American politics. As the pop star continues to navigate her role in the political sphere, her comments at AmericaFest will likely linger in public discourse for some time.
