Nicki Minaj Admits Using Homophobic Slur Against Don Lemon to Grab Headlines
The war of words between Nicki Minaj and Don Lemon reached a boiling point this week, characterized by the use of homophobic slurs and calls for deportation.
The conflict began after Minaj attacked the former CNN anchor for his coverage of a protest in Minneapolis, but it quickly devolved into personal insults. On Monday afternoon, the rapper doubled down on her language, claiming she used a derogatory term as a strategic move to manipulate the media cycle.
Minaj took to X, to defend her earlier comments where she referred to the journalist as “Don ‘C*** Suckin’ Lemon.” She argued that the use of the slur was the only way to ensure her criticism received widespread attention. “LOL!!! And I purposely wrote it that way b/c I knew that would be the only way to get the c*** suckas to post about it,” Minaj wrote in response to a fan.
She expressed satisfaction with the outrage her comments generated, suggesting it was part of her plan. “They would’ve all collectively ignored the despicable behavior displayed by Lemon head,” the Pink Friday 2 artist added. She concluded her defense with a warning, stating, “I’m glad they’re angry. They’re about to get angrier.”
The initial outburst occurred early Monday morning after Lemon shared footage of protesters interrupting a church service. The demonstration targeted David Easterwood, the acting field office director for ICE in St. Paul, who was in attendance. Upon seeing the footage, Minaj tweeted, “DON ‘C*** SUCKIN’ LEMON IS DISGUSTING… HOW DARE YOU? I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!!! HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION. LOCK HIM UP!!!!!”
Don Lemon, who is openly gay, did not let the comments slide and issued a blistering response through TMZ. The journalist called Minaj’s language disgusting and pivoted to attacking her legal status in the United States. “She called me: Don, C-sucker Lemon. It’s disgusting,” he said, before questioning her allegiance to the African-American community.
Lemon took the feud to a political level, suggesting that the Trinidadian-born rapper should be removed from the country. “I think Nicki Minaj has made it very clear how she feels about African-Americans in this country—I don’t think she’s one of them, obviously—and she should, under Trump’s rule, she should be deported because I don’t think, reportedly, that she is a legal citizen here,” Lemon stated. “She is undocumented.”
He further speculated that her recent political alignments are a transaction to help her husband, Kenneth Petty. Petty is a registered s** offender, and Lemon suggested Minaj is “cozying up to the Trump administration for some sort of leniency for her family members.” This exchange highlights the volatile intersection of celebrity culture and the current political climate.
The backdrop for this celebrity feud is the rising tension in Minneapolis regarding immigration enforcement. The city has become a flashpoint for ICE activity, leading to the protests Lemon was covering. Earlier this month, the community was shaken after an ICE agent fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good in the head during a traffic stop.
Other incidents have further strained relations between federal agents and the local community. These include the detention and injury of 23-year-old U.S. citizen Nisra Ahmed by agents. Additionally, there are reports of agents raiding a family-run Mexican restaurant immediately after dining there, detaining the employees who had just served them.
Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj, remains one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history. She recently released her fifth studio album, Pink Friday 2, which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. The album features collaborations with heavyweights like Drake, Lil Wayne, and J. Cole, reaffirming her status in the industry.
Following the album’s release, she embarked on the Pink Friday 2 World Tour, which has been a massive commercial success. It stands as the highest-grossing concert tour by a female rapper in history. Outside of music, Minaj has increasingly used her platform to voice her political opinions, often sparking intense debate among her fanbase, known as the “Barbz.”
Don Lemon has been navigating a new chapter in his career following his high-profile departure from CNN in April 2023. During his seventeen years at the network, he became a primetime staple, known for his candid and often opinionated takes on breaking news. Since leaving cable news, he has launched The Don Lemon Show, which streams on social media platforms including X.
His new venture aims to provide unfiltered reporting and interviews, allowing him more freedom than traditional broadcast standards permitted. He has recently traveled to various hotspots to provide on-the-ground coverage, such as the protests in Minneapolis. Lemon has also been promoting his memoir and speaking on issues regarding race and LGBTQ+ rights in America.
Tell us if you believe Minaj’s claim that she used the slur as a calculated media trap in the comments.
