Nicki Minaj Faces Serious Backlash After United Nations Speech

Nicki Minaj gave a speech to the United Nations to draw attention to what’s been called persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The superstar said she wanted to speak out against injustice and stand up for people who are targeted for their beliefs.

“In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes and killed,” Minaj said during the panel. “Churches have been burned. Families have been torn apart and entire communities live in fear constantly, simply because of how they pray.”

Minaj was invited to address the international body by US Ambassador Mike Waltz, who called her a “fearless advocate” whose message “echoes the UN’s own Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” 

“Sadly, this problem is not only a growing problem in Nigeria, but also in so many other countries across the world, and it demands urgent action," Minaj said. "And I want to be clear, protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about taking sides or dividing people. It is about uniting humanity."

The Trump administration has been vocal about and taken actions to combat the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, but critics have said the rhetoric is misleading or flat-out wrong. According to Chinedu Asadu of the Associated Press, “Experts and residents say some attacks target Christians, but most emphasize that in the widespread violence that has long plagued the West African nation, everyone is a potential victim, regardless of background or belief.”

In a Truth Social post on Nov. 1, Trump said the United States could use military force in Nigeria should if the purported bloodshed doesn’t end.

“If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!” he wrote.

Nicki addressed her fans directly and said that she was not "taking sides."

“Barbz, I know you're somewhere listening. I love you so very much. You have been the ultimate light in my life and career for so long. I appreciate you and I want to make it very clear — once again — that this isn't about taking sides. This is about standing up in the face of injustice. It's about what I've always stood for my entire career. And I will continue to stand for that for the rest of my life. I will care if anyone, anywhere, is being persecuted for their beliefs," Minaj said.

Minaj’s speech drew criticism across social media. See some of the tweets about her for yourself below.