Nicki Minaj’s Online Disputes Continue, Targeting Lizzo, Trevor Noah, and Jay-Z
Rapper Nicki Minaj has been embroiled in a series of online disputes, most recently targeting Lizzo with criticism following the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. The exchanges, unfolding on X (formerly Twitter), also included remarks directed at Trevor Noah and Jay-Z, .
Minaj’s comments regarding Lizzo centered around the singer’s weight, album sales, and ongoing legal challenges. According to reports, Minaj wrote, “Fat Lizzo lost 300 lbs just to sell 300 albums,” adding, “So now she has loose skin AND a flop album, AND a weird charge. Sheesh.” It remains unclear which album Minaj was referencing, though Lizzo released a mixtape, ‘My Face Hurts from Smiling,’ in .
The “weird charge” Minaj alluded to likely references a lawsuit filed against Lizzo by three former dancers, alleging fat-shaming and sexual harassment. While the fat-shaming portion of the case was dismissed in December, allegations of harassment remain under investigation. No criminal charges have been filed against Lizzo.
The online volley began after Trevor Noah made a joke about Minaj’s absence from the Grammy Awards, stating, “Nicki Minaj is not here. She’s still at the White House with Donald Trump, discussing very important issues.” Minaj responded to Noah on X, questioning his personal life, stating, “Trevor refuses to come out the closet when everyone in the industry knows his boyfriend. Allegedly.” She accompanied the post with a photo of herself wearing a pink hat emblazoned with the phrase, “Nicki Was Right About Everything,” and images of Jay-Z with Aaliyah and Beyoncé.
Minaj’s recent actions may be connected to comments made by Lizzo in December, following Minaj’s appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest alongside Erika Kirk. Lizzo reportedly stated she “isn’t surprised” by Minaj’s political alignment, suggesting that other celebrities may follow suit for financial or preferential treatment.
“You’re about to see an influx of people who see that it is more profitable and more beneficial to join that side,” Lizzo said, according to reports. “You’re going to see it. It already started, and it’s going to continue. There’s money behind everything. There are privileges behind every move that people in these positions make. And I’m not surprised.”
This is not the first time Minaj has engaged in public disputes online. She has a history of using X and Instagram to express grievances against other celebrities, including Megan Thee Stallion, SZA, Latto, and Jay-Z. In , Rolling Stone noted Minaj had “fired off dozens of posts” targeting fellow artists.
Past conflicts have sometimes escalated, leading to harassment of individuals by Minaj’s fanbase, known as the Barbz. In , a freelance writer received threats, including death threats and attacks targeting her young daughter, after criticizing Minaj’s work. Similarly, in , Minaj retweeted messages from fans attacking a cultural commentator who had been critical of her work.
