Nicki Minaj Sued by Former Manager Over Alleged Assault and Battery

Nicki Minaj, the internationally acclaimed rapper known for her groundbreaking career and vibrant persona, finds herself embroiled in legal trouble after a former manager filed a lawsuit alleging assault, battery, and emotional distress. Brandon Garrett, who claims he worked as a day-to-day manager for Minaj during her Pink Friday 2 tour, filed the complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court, detailing an alleged altercation that occurred in April 2024 at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena.

The lawsuit paints a troubling picture of the events that unfolded backstage, sparking widespread media attention and debate about the pressures of the entertainment industry and the challenges of managing high-profile artists.

The Incident

According to the lawsuit, the alleged incident took place after one of Minaj’s concerts on April 21, 2024. Garrett claims he was summoned to the rapper’s dressing room by her head of security, Larry Dathan, to address concerns Minaj had about staff performance.

In the dressing room, Garrett alleges that eight other staff members, including an employee named Luke Montgomery, were present as Minaj criticized her team for a perceived lack of organization. The lawsuit claims the situation escalated when Minaj questioned Montgomery about his responsibilities. Montgomery reportedly explained his duties, which included tasks like setting up dressing rooms, private jets, and tour buses, as well as fulfilling personal requests such as food orders, drinks, and prescriptions.

Garrett admitted to Minaj that he had delegated one of her prescription pickups to Montgomery due to being occupied with other responsibilities, including assisting her with costume changes during the tour. This admission allegedly triggered Minaj’s ire.

Verbal and Physical Allegations

Garrett claims Minaj responded with verbal abuse, reportedly saying, “Are you fing crazy having him pick up my prescription? You have lost your fing mind.” According to Garrett, Minaj added that if her husband, Kenneth Petty, had been present, he would have physically harmed him, threatening, “You’re a dead man walking. You just f***ed up your whole life, and you will never be anyone, I’ll make sure of it.”

The complaint alleges that Minaj then struck Garrett with an open hand across the right side of his face, causing his head to snap backward and his hat to fall off. She allegedly followed up by striking his wrist, causing him to drop documents he was holding.

Feeling frightened and humiliated, Garrett claims he locked himself in a restroom at the venue for several hours. He also alleges that Minaj instructed her team to exclude him from subsequent tour stops, effectively stranding him in Detroit.

Legal Proceedings and Allegations

Garrett has officially filed a police report in Detroit and is seeking damages in his lawsuit for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The suit also requests punitive damages, aiming to hold Minaj accountable for the alleged misconduct.

Minaj’s legal team, led by attorney Judd Burstein, has denied the allegations, calling them “false and frivolous.” In a statement to TMZ, Burstein said, “At this time, no complaint has been served upon [Minaj], and therefore, we are unaware of the specific allegations. However, if the lawsuit is as reported, we are confident that the matter will be resolved swiftly in Mrs. Petty’s favor.”

Industry Reactions

The lawsuit has sparked intense discussion in the music industry and among Minaj’s devoted fanbase, known as the Barbz. While some fans have defended Minaj, pointing to her history of intense work demands and the pressures of maintaining a top-tier career, others have expressed concern over the allegations.

The entertainment world is no stranger to legal disputes between artists and their teams, but the specificity of Garrett’s claims has amplified scrutiny. Industry analysts note that such lawsuits can significantly impact public perception, especially for artists with large, dedicated followings.

Minaj’s Career Amid Controversy

The lawsuit comes at a time when Minaj is actively promoting her long-awaited album, Pink Friday 2, and engaging with fans through music and appearances. Known for her fiery personality and unfiltered commentary, Minaj has remained a dominant force in hip-hop for more than a decade.

However, controversies like this could overshadow her musical achievements. Public opinion will likely play a significant role as the legal process unfolds, with fans and critics watching closely to see how Minaj responds.

Broader Implications

This case also raises questions about workplace dynamics and the often-chaotic environment of high-profile tours. Artists like Minaj operate under immense pressure to deliver flawless performances, and conflicts behind the scenes are not uncommon. However, allegations of physical and verbal abuse add a layer of complexity that cannot be ignored.

Experts note that this lawsuit could set a precedent for how disputes between artists and their teams are addressed, particularly in an era where accountability and workplace rights are increasingly prioritized.

What’s Next?

As the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office reviews the allegations for potential criminal charges, Minaj’s legal team will likely mount a vigorous defense. Meanwhile, Garrett’s civil suit will proceed, with the potential to bring more details about the incident to light.

For now, Nicki Minaj remains at the center of a storm, with her fans and critics awaiting the next developments. Whether or not the lawsuit results in legal repercussions, the situation underscores the challenges of balancing fame, artistic pressure, and professional relationships in the high-stakes world of entertainment.

Minaj, known for her resilience and determination, will undoubtedly seek to protect her reputation and career, but the ultimate resolution of this case may take months—or even years—to unfold.