Pop star Nicki Minaj has deleted her Instagram account following a wave of backlash stemming from remarks made during a public appearance with Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. This decision comes just days after Minaj faced criticism for her comments at the AmericaFest event in Arizona on December 21, 2023, where she shared the stage with Erika Kirk, who is also the CEO of Turning Point USA.
During the event, Erika Kirk asked Minaj for advice directed at the audience, particularly young men. The singer’s response included praise for former President Donald Trump, calling him “handsome” and “dashing,” and described him as one of many “role models.” However, a notable slip of the tongue occurred when Minaj referred to “assassin JD Vance,” a comment that caused discomfort among some audience members.
This remark was particularly sensitive given the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk during a speaking engagement in September 2023. Following her gaffe, Minaj appeared to realize her mistake, covering her mouth and briefly looking away from Erika Kirk. In an effort to alleviate the tension, Erika Kirk responded graciously, saying, “Trust me, there is nothing new under the sun that I have not heard.” She added, “I love you,” before encouraging the audience to find humor in the moment.
Despite Erika’s attempt to diffuse the situation, social media users quickly responded with criticism. One commenter noted, “You put the ASS in assassin Nicki,” while others expressed disapproval over Minaj’s endorsements of Trump and Vance, with one user stating, “You lost 10 MILLION followers in 48 hours. You picked the wrong side.”
The backlash has led to a significant drop in Minaj’s follower count on Instagram, with reports indicating she lost hundreds of thousands of followers shortly after the event. Although she has deleted her Instagram account, fans pointed out that the singer has a history of temporarily deactivating her social media accounts, having done so multiple times throughout the year.
Despite the controversy, Minaj’s account on X remains active, leaving some fans speculating about her next move. As the situation continues to unfold, it highlights the intersection of celebrity, politics, and social media in today’s digital landscape.
Erika Kirk’s handling of the incident has drawn attention for its grace under pressure, as she emphasized the importance of understanding intentions, stating, “Words are words, but I know her heart, it doesn’t even matter.”
With the public increasingly engaged in the lives of celebrities, this incident serves as a reminder of the potential ramifications of public comments, especially in politically charged environments.
