Nicki Minaj's legal representatives have categorically denied the grave accusations levied against her by a former assistant, asserting that these allegations lack any substantial merit. According to Rolling Stone, a legal complaint was filed last week against the Queens-bred rapper, whose real name is Onika Maraj-Petty, by plaintiff Brandon Jovan Garrett. The suit accuses Minaj of "assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress."
Garrett's narrative, as outlined in the lawsuit and recounted by Rolling Stone, describes a harrowing incident that unfolded during the Detroit leg of Minaj's highly anticipated 2024 Pink Friday 2 tour at the Little Caesars Arena. He alleges that after being physically slapped by the Grammy Award-winner, he sought refuge in a bathroom, barricading himself there until the early hours of 4:00 a.m., subsequently fleeing the Midwestern city to return to his Los Angeles home immediately upon emerging.
The whole saga, as per Garrett, arose from Minaj's displeasure over his decision to ask another staff member to retrieve her prescription medication. Allegedly, the 42-year-old rapper erupted in a fury, shouting, "Are you fucking crazy having him pick up my prescription? You have lost your fucking mind, and if my husband was here, he would knock out your fucking teeth. You’re a dead man walking. You just fucked up your whole life and you will never be anyone, I’ll make sure of it."
Garrett further contends that Minaj abruptly rose to her feet, stomping her heels ominously as she advanced towards him with aggression, ultimately striking him with an open hand on the right cheek. The force of the blow reportedly caused his head to snap backwards and his hat to fly off.
In a statement to Variety, Nicki Minaj's attorney, Judd Burstein, noted that as of the time of reporting, his client had yet to be officially served with the lawsuit. "At present, Mrs. Petty has not received any complaint, and consequently, we are uninformed of the precise allegations," Bernstein remarked. "However, if the lawsuit aligns with the reports circulated by TMZ, it is utterly baseless and frivolous. We are fully confident that this matter, orchestrated by the former assistant, will be swiftly resolved in Mrs. Petty's favor."
The Detroit concert had initially garnered headlines for other reasons, notably the surprise appearances by Big Sean and Sada Baby. During the performance, Minaj also narrowly dodged an object thrown from the audience during her rendition of "Starships." With quick reflexes, she hurled the item back into the crowd, challenging the perpetrator to reveal themselves before completing her mesmerizing set.
