Nicki Minaj doubles down on homophobic slur against Don Lemon amid backlash: ‘They’re about to get angrier’

Nicki Minaj faces backlash for using a homophobic slur against journalist Don Lemon after he reported on an ICE protest.

Published on: Jan 20, 2026, 23:48:56 IST

By Shweta Kukreti

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Nicki Minaj has received a warning that she has “torched” her career after the rapper reiterated her use of a homophobic slur in her attack on journalist Don Lemon.

Nicki Minaj sparked controversy with homophobic comments aimed at journalist Don Lemon, leading to public outrage and warnings about her career. Lemon described her remarks as 'unhinged and homophobic' in response. (AFP)

The 43-year-old rapper ignited a significant backlash as she blasted Lemon for his recent reporting on an ICE protest in Minnesota. The 59-year-old former CNN anchor posted footage of himself on Sunday, January 18, covering a protest at a church in response to ICE actions following the tragic shooting of Minneapolis mother Renee Nicole Good.

The demonstration disrupted a church service where David Easterwood — a local ICE agent — serves as a pastor.

Nicki Minaj slams Don Lemon's reporting

Minaj expressed her discontent with Lemon's reporting on the incident and vented on X, saying: “DON ‘C--- SUCKIN’ LEMON IS DISGUSTING. HOW DARE YOU? I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!!! HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION. LOCK HIM UP!!!!!” Minaj included an image of a Chucky doll in her post regarding Lemon.

Also Read: Nicki Minaj family: All on her husband and brother as Don Lemon calls out their ‘sex offender records’

Nicki Minaj defends self amid backlash

In a subsequent post shared on Monday, January 19, the rapper reaffirmed her homophobic remarks as she stated on X, “LOL!!! And I purposely wrote it that way b/c I knew that would be the only way to get the c--k suckas to post about it.”

She further warned her detractors, “They would’ve all collectively ignored the despicable behavior displayed by Lemon head. I’m glad they’re angry. They’re about to get angrier.”

People voiced their dissatisfaction with Minaj's remarks and expressed their frustration in the comments section.

“Its wild watching a female rapper go full blown repubtard. Crazy what getting dethroned by Cardi and Meg will do to ya,” one person wrote.

“You have torched your career,” another stated.

Don Lemon hits back at Minaj

Meanwhile, Lemon, who is openly gay and wed to his partner Tim Malone, elaborated on Minaj's remarks in a video posted on Instagram. He described the rapper's outburst on social media as “unhinged and homophobic.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shweta Kukreti
Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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