ARIZONA — Pop superstar Nicki Minaj has reportedly removed her Instagram account following backlash over comments made during a sit-down with Erika Kirk, widow of the late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Arizona on December 21.
The event, held as part of a large gathering of conservative activists and students, featured Minaj as a guest in a Q&A session alongside Erika Kirk, who now serves as CEO of Turning Point USA after her husband’s tragic assassination during a university speaking tour in September.
Controversial Comments Draw Criticism
During the session, Minaj praised former President Donald Trump, describing him as “handsome” and “dashing” and calling him one of the many “role models” young men can look up to.
However, the pop star quickly drew attention for a bizarre slip of the tongue, telling Erika Kirk:
“You have amazing role models like the assassin JD Vance.”
The comment reportedly caused a mix of laughter and discomfort in the audience, given the tragic context of Charlie Kirk’s death. Minaj appeared to realize her misstatement immediately, covering her mouth and looking away. Erika Kirk, seeking to diffuse the tension, stepped in:
“Trust me, there is nothing new under the sun that I have not heard. I love you.”
She continued, addressing the audience:
“You have to laugh about it, truly. I have been called every single thing, and you know what, God is so good, you let it roll right off your back.”
Erika defended Minaj, emphasizing her character:
“Words are words, but I know her heart, it doesn’t even matter. She’s an amazing woman.”
Social Media Backlash
Despite Erika Kirk’s attempts to calm the room, social media users criticized Minaj for her choice of words and political endorsements. Some commentators mocked her use of the word “assassin,” while others criticized her support for Trump and JD Vance.
One user wrote:
“You put the ASS in assassin Nicki.”
Another tweeted:
“You lost 10 MILLION followers in 48 hours. You picked the wrong side.”
The backlash appears to have contributed to Minaj’s decision to delete her Instagram account entirely, though fans noted that she has a history of temporarily deactivating her account before returning, a pattern she has repeated multiple times throughout 2025.
Public and Fan Reactions
Reactions to the controversy were divided. Some defended Minaj, arguing that her intentions were misunderstood and that Erika Kirk had personally vouched for her character. Others condemned the singer for making politically charged comments during a sensitive moment, particularly referencing the death of a public figure.
Analysts suggest that the incident highlights the risks celebrities face when engaging with politically charged events, particularly in an era where social media amplifies missteps instantly.
Conclusion
Nicki Minaj’s brief disappearance from Instagram comes amid heightened attention on her political comments and social media presence. While Erika Kirk attempted to downplay the controversy, online criticism continues to swirl, raising questions about the singer’s future public appearances and digital engagement.
