Nicki Minaj, one of the most influential and polarizing figures in the music industry, is facing potential criminal charges following allegations from Brandon Garrett, who claims to be her former manager. The accusations stem from an alleged incident backstage after a concert in Detroit during her Pink Friday 2 World Tour in April 2024.
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The Allegations
According to legal documents obtained by multiple outlets, including TMZ, Garrett alleges that he was struck by Minaj — whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj — during an altercation at Little Caesars Arena. Garrett’s lawsuit accuses the rapper of battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and assault.
In his account, Garrett states that the altercation began when he was called to Minaj’s dressing room to discuss an errand involving her prescriptions. Unable to run the errand himself due to other responsibilities, he delegated the task to another employee, Luke Montgomery. This decision, Garrett claims, angered Minaj, leading to a heated confrontation.
Garrett recalls Minaj yelling, “Are you fing crazy having him pick up my prescription?” He further alleges that the rapper screamed threats, saying, “You have lost your fing mind, and if my husband was here, he would knock out your fing teeth. You’re a dead man walking. You just fed up your whole life, and you will never be anyone, I’ll make sure of it.”
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Physical Confrontation
The situation allegedly escalated when Minaj approached Garrett and struck him on the right side of his face, causing his head to snap backward and his hat to fall off. Garrett also claims that Minaj hit him on his wrist, forcing him to drop papers he had been holding. He describes feeling both physical pain and emotional distress, recounting that his wrist throbbed and his face was sore.
Security personnel reportedly intervened, and Minaj ordered Garrett to leave the premises, saying, “Get the f*** out.” Fearful and shaken, Garrett retreated to a restroom, where he claims he locked himself inside for hours, eventually calling his partner to explain the situation.
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Aftermath and Legal Action
Following the alleged incident, Garrett says he was barred from rejoining the tour bus to return to Chicago. Left stranded in Detroit, he flew back to Chicago and filed a police report there. He later traveled back to Detroit to lodge a formal complaint with local authorities.
The lawsuit, filed in late 2024, accuses Minaj of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Garrett is seeking punitive, exemplary, and general damages. The Detroit Police Department has since submitted a warrant request to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, which is now reviewing the case to determine if criminal charges will be brought against Minaj.
Minaj’s Response
Minaj’s lawyer, Judd Burstein, has strongly denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit “false and frivolous.” In a statement to the press, Burstein suggested that Garrett’s claims are baseless and that he was not Minaj’s manager but rather an assistant. Burstein also noted that Minaj has not been formally served with any legal complaint, making the specifics of the allegations unclear.
Impact on Minaj’s Career
The timing of these allegations comes on the heels of Minaj’s successful Pink Friday 2 World Tour, which ran from March to October 2024. The tour marked a significant milestone for the rapper, highlighting her enduring influence in the music industry. However, the lawsuit threatens to overshadow her professional achievements, drawing significant media and public attention.
Fans and critics alike are closely watching the case, with social media buzzing over the potential fallout. Some have expressed support for Minaj, pointing to her history of being a polarizing figure often targeted by detractors. Others have taken Garrett’s allegations seriously, calling for a thorough investigation.
Legal and Public Scrutiny
The case highlights the broader challenges faced by celebrities navigating legal disputes in the public eye. For Minaj, the stakes are particularly high given her reputation as a fiercely independent and outspoken artist. The lawsuit could impact her public image and potentially affect future projects, endorsements, and collaborations.
Meanwhile, Garrett’s claims of fear and trauma underscore the seriousness of the allegations. According to his lawsuit, the incident left him emotionally and physically shaken, leading him to stay isolated in his hotel room for days. He asserts that the ordeal has had lasting effects on his well-being.
What’s Next?
As the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office reviews the warrant request, a decision on whether to file criminal charges against Minaj is expected in the coming weeks. If charges are filed, the case could lead to a high-profile trial, further amplifying public and media interest.
Minaj’s legal team has signaled their readiness to fight the allegations, with Burstein stating, “We are confident that these claims will be proven baseless.” However, the court of public opinion remains divided, with some rallying behind the rapper and others calling for accountability.
For now, Minaj’s focus appears to be on her music and upcoming projects, but the looming legal battle is likely to remain a significant distraction. As the case unfolds, it will undoubtedly be a defining moment in the rapper’s career and personal life.
Public Reaction
The allegations have sparked widespread debate among fans and critics, with many taking to social media to voice their opinions. While some believe Garrett’s claims and call for justice, others see the lawsuit as an opportunistic attempt to tarnish Minaj’s reputation. The polarizing nature of the case reflects Minaj’s own complex relationship with fame, marked by both adoration and controversy.
As Nicki Minaj awaits the prosecutor’s decision, the allegations against her serve as a reminder of the challenges and scrutiny faced by public figures. Whether the case proceeds to court or is resolved outside of it, the outcome will likely have lasting implications for both Minaj and Garrett. For now, all eyes remain on the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office as the music world watches this legal drama unfold.
