A timeline of Nicki Minaj's biggest controversies and problematic comments

Callie Ahlgrim,Olivia SinghJan 15, 2024, 08:22 IST

Nicki Minaj accepts an award at the 2015 VMAs.Christopher Polk/MTV1415/Getty Images

Nicki Minaj has been embroiled in many controversies and feuds over the years.
Cardi B, Remy Ma, Taylor Swift, and Miley Cyrus are just a few stars she's had drama with.

Nicki Minaj is no stranger to drama.

The outspoken musician, who released her latest album "Pink Friday 2" on Friday, has been embroiled in many feuds with her music industry peers (Lil Kim, Iggy Azalea, and Azealia Banks, to name a few), random celebrities (Kevin Federline and Farrah Abraham, for some reason), and even government officials.

Minaj has also been accused of more serious offenses, especially involving her husband, a registered sex offender.

Here's a breakdown of Minaj's biggest controversies.

2012 to 2013: Minaj and Mariah Carey famously didn't get along while serving as judges on season 12 of "American Idol."

"American Idol" judges Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, and Nicki Minaj in 2013.Todd Williamson/Invision/AP

July 2015: Minaj and Taylor Swift had a brief dispute that quickly dissolved.

Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj perform together at the 2015 VMAs.Matt Sayles/Invision/AP

August 30, 2015: Minaj called out Miley Cyrus on stage at the VMAs after the "Wrecking Ball" singer described her as "not too kind."

Miley Cyrus and Nicki Minaj backstage at the 2015 Grammys.Mark Davis/WireImage

December 2015: Minaj reportedly paid for her brother's bail when he was arrested and charged with child rape.

Nicki Minaj and Jelani Maraj in 2015.Bryan Steffy/Chance Yeh/Getty Images

February 2017: Minaj's long-simmering feud with Remy Ma became explicit.

Nicki Minaj and Remy Ma in 2017.Victor Boyko/Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images

June 2018: Minaj was called out for comments about sex workers.

Nicki Minaj performs at the 2018 BET Awards.Paras Griffin/VMN18/Getty Images

July 2018: Minaj faced backlash for teaming up with Tekashi 6ix9ine, a rapper accused of pedophilia and domestic violence.

Nicki Minaj and Tekashi 6ix9ine in the music video for "Fefe."Tekashi 6ix9ine/YouTube

August 2018: Minaj lashed out at Travis Scott, Kylie Jenner, and their infant daughter.

Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, and Kylie Jenner at the 2018 Met Gala.Angela Weiss/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum

September 7, 2018: Minaj's feud with Cardi B reached a boiling point at the Harper's Bazaar Icons party.

Nicki Minaj and Cardi B seen outside the 2018 Harper's Bazaar Icons party.Nancy Rivera/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images; Steven Ferdman/WireImage

December 2018: Minaj went public with her then-boyfriend, Kenneth Petty, who's been convicted of attempted rape and manslaughter.

Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty got married in 2019.Gotham/GC Images

August 2021: Minaj was sued by the woman that her husband assaulted.

Kenneth Petty and Nicki Minaj photographed in 2021.Photographer Group/MEGA/GC Images

September 2021: Minaj was criticized for making comments that many perceived as anti-vaccine and anti-science.

Nicki Minaj attends the 2022 Met Gala.Kevin Mazur/MG22/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

October 2022: Minaj complained about being "sabotaged" by the Grammys and dragged Latto into the drama.

Latto, right, is best known for her viral hit "Big Energy."Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images; Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

November 2023: Minaj compared being famous to "getting arrested."

Nicki Minaj at the 2023 VMAs.Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for MTV

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