Pop star Nicki Minaj has deleted her Instagram account following backlash from comments made during a recent event alongside Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The incident occurred during a Q&A session at AmericaFest in Arizona on December 21, 2023, where Minaj’s choice of words led to widespread criticism.
During the event, Erika Kirk, now the CEO of Turning Point USA, posed a question to Minaj about advice for the young men in the audience. Minaj responded with praise for former US President Donald Trump, describing him as “handsome” and “dashing,” and listed him among potential role models. However, a controversial moment arose when she mistakenly referred to JD Vance, a politician known for his comments on various social issues, as an “assassin.” The slip drew gasps and laughter from the audience, prompting an awkward moment given the recent tragic loss of Erika’s husband.
After realizing her mistake, Minaj covered her mouth and looked away, while Erika Kirk intervened to ease the tension. “Trust me, there is nothing new under the sun that I have not heard,” she reassured the audience, adding, “I love you.” Erika later encouraged laughter about the incident, stating, “You have to laugh about it, truly,” and emphasized her understanding of Minaj’s intentions.
Despite Erika Kirk’s gracious response, social media users were quick to criticize Minaj. Comments highlighted her remarks about Trump and Vance, with one user claiming she “lost 10 MILLION followers in 48 hours,” suggesting a significant backlash against her political endorsements. Others made light of her slip, with one commenter noting, “You put the ASS in assassin Nicki.”
Minaj’s decision to delete her Instagram account has sparked speculation among fans. Although this action has drawn attention, many noted that the artist has previously deactivated her account temporarily, only to return later. Notably, her account on X (formerly Twitter) remains active, indicating that she may not be stepping away from social media entirely.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect Minaj’s public image and her fan base in the long term.
