Nicki Minaj and her husband, Kenneth Petty, have found themselves under a deluge of criticism, stemming from a contentious moment during a TikTok Live session. The controversy erupted when Petty casually employed a derogatory slur aimed at the LGBTQ+ community, eliciting a fierce backlash from fans who accused him of insulting not just individuals but an entire demographic that forms a significant portion of Minaj's fanbase.
The incident unfolded as Minaj, sitting alongside her husband, encouraged her followers to hold onto their joy amidst life's challenges. In an attempt to reinforce her message, Petty interjected with a remark that quickly turned sour, uttering a slur aimed at gay men. The comment sparked outrage on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users swiftly condemned the insensitivity and perceived homophobia.
"Why did he unnecessarily attack them?" queried a dismayed fan, speculating that Petty's words stemmed from a misguided need to prove his masculinity. Minaj, too, faced scrutiny for failing to address or correct her husband's choice of words, with many accusing her of neglecting her loyal LGBTQ+ fans, affectionately known as the Barbz.
"This is the second time he has said this around her, and she didn't correct him," lamented a disheartened follower, highlighting the perceived disregard for a significant segment of her fanbase. Others questioned Minaj's silence, wondering why she remained mum on an issue that demanded her attention and advocacy.
Moreover, Petty's checkered past, marred by convictions for attempted rape and first-degree manslaughter, was dragged into the fray, with netizens pointing out the irony of him benefiting financially from the very community he disparaged. "He ain't complaining when the same gays are paying his court fees and funding his [wife's] lifestyle," remarked a sarcastic commenter.
Yet, amidst the chorus of criticism, a few voices rose in defense of Minaj, arguing that her primary role was to entertain and not police every utterance. "She's here to deliver music, not to police everyone's words," came the steadfast support from a loyal fan.
Petty's legal troubles, which have dogged him for decades, gained renewed attention in the wake of this incident. From his 1995 conviction for attempted rape against a 16-year-old girl to his 2002 guilty plea for first-degree manslaughter, his criminal record has been under scrutiny. Recently, in September 2023, he was sentenced to 120 days of home detention for violating his probation terms by threatening rapper Offset on social media.
Despite the controversies surrounding their union, Minaj has remained steadfast in her support of Petty, whom she has known since their high school days at LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City. In a December 2023 interview with Vogue, she opened up about her attraction to him, citing his unwavering authenticity and disregard for her celebrity status.
"Because I've known my husband for so long, there's an ease we have with each other," she mused, highlighting their shared history and deep bond. However, the couple's tumultuous journey has not been without its legal entanglements, including a recent settlement of $500,000 to a former bodyguard who claimed to have been assaulted by Petty after one of Minaj's concerts in Germany.
As the dust settles from this latest controversy, the future of Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty's relationship, and its impact on her fanbase, remains uncertain but undoubtedly under intense scrutiny.
