Nicki Minaj, one of the biggest names in the rap world, is set to play a significant role in the ongoing trial surrounding her father, Robert Maraj’s, tragic death. As the legal battle intensifies, Minaj has been called to testify in a deposition regarding her childhood and her relationship with her father in connection with a $150 million wrongful death lawsuit. The lawsuit stems from a hit-and-run incident that claimed her father’s life three years ago, leaving behind unresolved questions and a grieving family.
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The Hit-and-Run Incident: Robert Maraj’s Tragic Death
In February 2021, Robert Maraj, Nicki Minaj’s father, was fatally struck by a car in a hit-and-run accident while crossing the street in Long Island, New York. The driver, Charles Polevich, was accused of hitting Maraj and fleeing the scene without calling for help. Instead of stopping, Polevich drove his 1992 Volvo Station Wagon home and covered it with a tarp to hide evidence.
Maraj was rushed to the hospital, but tragically, he passed away hours later due to severe injuries. Polevich was later tracked down by police using security footage, which led to his arrest. He was charged with tampering with physical evidence and leaving the scene of an accident. In 2022, he was sentenced to one year in jail, but the case didn’t end there. Maraj’s wife, Carol Maraj, filed a $150 million wrongful death lawsuit against Polevich, accusing him of negligence and wrongful actions leading to her husband’s death.
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Nicki Minaj’s Deposition: Childhood and Relationship with Her Father
As the legal proceedings continue, a New York judge recently granted Polevich’s request to depose Nicki Minaj. Polevich’s legal team argued that Minaj’s relationship with her father and details of her childhood were relevant to the case. The deposition is set to take place in California, following a motion granted at an October 8 hearing.
Polevich’s lawyer, Chavez, explained that the rapper’s lyrics and public statements about her father’s alleged abusive behavior, as expressed in her songs, could shed light on her relationship with him. Minaj has been open about her strained relationship with her father in the past, accusing him of domestic violence and struggles with addiction.
The defense team’s argument centers on exploring how Minaj’s childhood experiences and her portrayal of her father in her music could potentially influence the lawsuit. In response, Minaj’s mother, Carol, who filed the lawsuit, pushed back against the request. Her attorney argued that the deposition would be an invasion of privacy and that Nicki’s lyrics, which may contain fictional elements for artistic purposes, should not be considered factual evidence in a legal case. Carol’s legal team maintained that forcing Minaj to testify about her lyrics and personal experiences would be unfair and borderline harassment.
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The Court’s Ruling: Lyrics and Childhood Testimony
Despite Carol’s efforts to block the deposition, the court sided with Polevich’s request, ruling that the rapper’s lyrics and her childhood testimony could be relevant to the case. This decision has set the stage for Minaj’s deposition, where she will likely be asked to discuss not only her relationship with her father but also how those experiences may have shaped her music.
Minaj’s mother has been vocal in her objections to this approach, stating that lyrics in songs are often exaggerated or completely fictional and should not be used to judge real-life events. However, the judge deemed that Minaj’s testimony could offer insights into the family dynamics that may be pertinent to the wrongful death case.
Nicki Minaj’s Emotional Connection to Her Father
The rapper’s relationship with her father has been complex, filled with both love and pain. In recent interviews, Minaj has reflected on her father’s struggles with addiction and how it affected their family life. Despite these difficulties, Minaj has expressed a deep sense of loss and sorrow over his passing.
In an emotional interview with PEOPLE, Minaj shared the story of her last conversation with her father. She recalled feeling a strong urge to pick up his phone call while spending time with her newborn son, despite normally avoiding phone calls while with her baby. During their conversation, Robert expressed his desire to visit California to help look after Minaj’s son, a gesture that she appreciated. Sadly, just hours later, Minaj received a devastating call from her mother, Carol, informing her that her father had been in an accident. The news sent Minaj into a state of disbelief, especially given how joyful and hopeful her father had sounded during their final conversation.
Healing and Reflecting on Their Relationship
While Nicki Minaj had previously spoken about her strained relationship with her father, particularly regarding his abusive behavior towards her mother and his battle with drug addiction, she also acknowledged that they had been working towards repairing their relationship before his death. In her 2023 Vogue interview, Minaj spoke candidly about her reflections on her father’s struggles, noting that she wished she had understood more about his addiction and the toll it took on him.
Despite the pain and difficulty of their past, Minaj has come to see her father as a victim of his own battles, expressing empathy for him in recent years. She even dedicated several songs on her album “Pink Friday” to her father, rapping about their last moments together and the emotional impact of his death on her life.
Nicki Minaj’s Upcoming Documentary: A Deeper Dive into Her Life
As if the legal battles and personal losses weren’t enough, Nicki Minaj has been working on a documentary that promises to reveal even more about her life, career, and family. The documentary, initially scheduled for release in 2020, has been delayed due to the timing of her album and other projects. However, Minaj assured fans that the documentary is now complete and will include fresh content reflecting her Pink Friday 2 album and world tour.
In an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen”, Minaj shared that the documentary would feature stories and surprises that fans might not expect, providing a more intimate look into her life. Though it has yet to be released, anticipation for the documentary remains high, especially given the rapper’s personal and professional milestones in recent years.
The ongoing legal battle surrounding Robert Maraj’s tragic death has drawn Nicki Minaj into the spotlight once again, this time not as a performer but as a daughter seeking justice for her father. The deposition, which will delve into Minaj’s childhood and relationship with her father, adds another layer of complexity to an already emotional case.
As the trial progresses, Minaj’s testimony could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the $150 million lawsuit. For fans and followers, this legal chapter offers a glimpse into the personal struggles and heartache that have shaped the superstar’s life and music. Whether through her songs, interviews, or upcoming documentary, Minaj continues to open up about the pain of losing her father while navigating the challenges of fame and family.
