Prosecutors Deny Arrest Warrant for Nicki Minaj in Alleged Assault Case

Nicki Minaj, the globally recognized rapper, has dodged a potential legal entanglement as Detroit prosecutors have denied a request for her arrest. The request stemmed from allegations made by her former manager, Brandon Garrett, who claimed that the artist assaulted him during a backstage incident at Little Caesars Arena on April 21, 2024.

Insufficient Evidence Cited by Prosecutors

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office rejected the arrest warrant request submitted by the Detroit Police Department, citing “insufficient evidence to prove that a crime has been committed.” This decision effectively halts any immediate criminal proceedings against Minaj, though the civil lawsuit filed by Garrett remains active.

Garrett, 40, alleged that Minaj became physically and verbally abusive after he delegated the task of picking up her prescription to another staff member. According to the lawsuit, Minaj’s reaction was explosive and escalated to violence in the presence of her employees.

The Allegations

The alleged incident occurred shortly after Minaj’s performance at Little Caesars Arena. Garrett, who was reportedly responsible for handling Minaj’s day-to-day affairs, claims he returned from the errand to find himself summoned to her dressing room.

There, Minaj allegedly launched into a tirade, accusing him of negligence and expressing anger over his decision to delegate the task. The lawsuit claims Minaj shouted:

“Are you fking crazy having him pick up my prescription? You have lost your fking mind, and if my husband were here, he would knock out your fking teeth. You’re a dead man walking. You just fked up your whole life and you will never be anyone, I’ll make sure of it.”

Garrett alleges that Minaj then struck him in the face with enough force to knock his hat to the ground. The lawsuit further claims she struck him on his wrist, causing documents he was holding to fall to the floor, before demanding that he leave the room.

In fear for his safety, Garrett says he retrieved his belongings and locked himself in a restroom for several hours. He also claims he was excluded from transportation arrangements for the tour, leaving him stranded in Detroit.

Legal Proceedings and Reactions

Garrett has filed a civil lawsuit against Minaj, accusing her of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. His attorney, Thomas Feher, stated that his client suffered both physical and emotional trauma as a result of the incident.

Minaj’s legal team, however, has firmly denied the accusations. Judd Burstein, Minaj’s attorney, responded to the lawsuit by describing it as “false and frivolous.” He added, “At this time, no complaint has been served upon Mrs. Petty (Nicki Minaj’s married name), and therefore, we are unaware of the specific allegations. However, if the lawsuit is as reported by TMZ, it is completely false and frivolous. We are confident that the matter will be resolved swiftly in Mrs. Petty’s favor.”

Prosecutors Decline Arrest Warrant

The Detroit Police Department had sought an arrest warrant for Minaj based on Garrett’s claims, but the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office sent the request back. In their statement, they emphasized the lack of evidence necessary to substantiate criminal charges against Minaj. This decision puts an end to any immediate criminal prosecution, though it does not impact the ongoing civil case.

Context and Public Reactions

This legal issue comes amid a turbulent period for Minaj, whose Pink Friday 2 tour has been marred by controversies. In May 2024, she was detained in Amsterdam, Netherlands, under suspicion of possessing marijuana, an incident that caused delays in her schedule and sparked public debate.

Fans and critics alike have been divided over the allegations against Minaj. Some argue that the claims reflect a pattern of unprofessional behavior, while others believe she is being unfairly targeted. Social media has been abuzz with reactions, with many questioning the validity of the lawsuit and Garrett’s motivations.

What’s Next?

While Minaj has avoided criminal charges for now, the civil lawsuit filed by Garrett ensures the matter is far from over. As the case unfolds, the rapper’s legal team is expected to continue fighting the allegations, and Garrett will need to present compelling evidence to support his claims.

For Nicki Minaj, the focus will likely remain on her music and career as she navigates these legal challenges. Whether this case will have a lasting impact on her public image or prove to be another hurdle she overcomes remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the world will be watching closely as the drama unfolds.