Nicki Minaj, the internationally renowned rapper, is set to play a pivotal role in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the tragic death of her father, Robert Maraj, in a hit-and-run accident. A New York judge has granted Charles Polevich, the driver accused in the incident, the right to depose Minaj in connection with the $150 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by her family. This legal development marks a significant moment in the case, as Minaj’s testimony could potentially shape the outcome of the proceedings. The deposition is expected to take place in California, following a motion that was approved in an October 8 hearing.
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The case has garnered widespread attention, not only because of Minaj’s involvement but also due to the tragic nature of the incident that claimed the life of her father. The lawsuit, filed by Minaj’s mother, Carol Maraj, accuses Polevich of gross negligence for fleeing the scene of the accident and failing to provide aid to Robert Maraj after the collision. The court’s decision to allow Minaj’s deposition is a controversial one, as it opens the door for Polevich’s defense team to question her about her childhood and personal life, a tactic that has been criticized by Minaj’s legal team as intrusive and irrelevant.
The Incident: A Tragic Loss
The accident that led to the death of Robert Maraj occurred in February 2021 in Mineola, Long Island, when Maraj, aged 64, was walking along the road in the evening. He was struck by a northbound vehicle that left the scene without providing assistance. Maraj later succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. The Nassau County Police Department launched an investigation into the hit-and-run, and through the use of security footage, they were able to track the vehicle back to Charles Polevich, a resident of the area.
Polevich, 71, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and tampering with evidence. Nassau Police Homicide Detective Lt. Stephen Fitzpatrick revealed that after the crash, Polevich had taken deliberate steps to hide his involvement. “He’s absolutely aware of what happened,” Fitzpatrick said. “He got out of the car and looked at the deceased, got back into his car, and made the conscious decision to leave. Instead of dialing 911 or calling for an ambulance, he went home and concealed his vehicle.”
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Fitzpatrick further explained that Polevich attempted to alter and hide his white Volvo station wagon in an effort to avoid detection by the authorities. Despite his attempts, police successfully traced the car to Polevich’s home through security footage, leading to his eventual arrest.
The Legal Battle Begins
In the wake of her husband’s death, Carol Maraj, Robert’s widow and the mother of Nicki Minaj, filed a $150 million civil lawsuit against Polevich, alleging wrongful death. The lawsuit, which is still pending, seeks justice for the loss of Robert Maraj and accountability for Polevich’s actions.
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Polevich’s attorney, Marc Gann, has expressed his client’s remorse for the role he played in the fatal accident. In a statement to CNN, Gann said, “Mr. Polevich is extremely remorseful for any role he may have played in Mr. Maraj’s death. There are no allegations of substance use or abuse as causative of his conduct, and it is our belief that a medical heart issue contributed to Mr. Polevich’s conduct.” Despite this, the lawsuit accuses Polevich of gross negligence, particularly for fleeing the scene of the accident and failing to render aid to the victim.
In 2022, Polevich pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of the crash that killed Robert Maraj. As part of his plea, he admitted to tampering with evidence, specifically hiding his vehicle to avoid detection. His guilty plea has done little to mitigate the emotional toll on the Maraj family, who continue to seek justice through the civil lawsuit.
Nicki Minaj’s Role in the Case
Although Nicki Minaj is not a direct party to the lawsuit, the court’s decision to allow her deposition has sparked considerable debate. Carol Maraj’s legal team has argued that Minaj’s involvement in the case is unnecessary and irrelevant, particularly because the lawsuit centers on the actions of Polevich and not on Minaj’s personal life or career. In a statement to The Blast, Carol’s attorney emphasized that “to have her testify as to musical lyrics, which could be completely made up, false, and taken out of context, was a waste of time and borderline harassment for the family.”
Despite these objections, the court has granted Polevich’s legal team the right to depose Minaj. The defense’s interest in questioning the rapper reportedly stems from an effort to build a defense around her family background and her childhood experiences. This line of questioning has been criticized by Minaj’s supporters as an attempt to distract from the core issues of the case — namely, Polevich’s decision to flee the scene of the accident and his failure to provide assistance to Robert Maraj.
A Family’s Grief and the Quest for Justice
For the Maraj family, the death of Robert Maraj has been an immense tragedy. Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj, has spoken in the past about the close relationship she shared with her father and the profound impact his loss has had on her. In a heartfelt message to her fans following his death, Minaj described the pain of losing a parent so suddenly and the void it has left in her life.
The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Carol Maraj is an effort to hold Polevich accountable for his actions and to seek some form of closure for the family. While the criminal case against Polevich has resulted in a guilty plea, the civil case aims to address the emotional and financial toll that Robert Maraj’s death has taken on his family. The $150 million lawsuit is a reflection of the gravity of the loss and the negligence that the Maraj family believes Polevich exhibited on the night of the accident.
As the legal proceedings move forward, all eyes are on the upcoming deposition of Nicki Minaj. The deposition, which is scheduled to take place in California, will mark a critical moment in the lawsuit. While it remains unclear how much Minaj will be required to disclose during her testimony, her involvement adds a layer of complexity to an already emotionally charged case.
For Polevich’s defense team, the deposition represents an opportunity to potentially shift the narrative of the case by delving into Minaj’s personal life. However, for the Maraj family, the focus remains on seeking justice for Robert and holding Polevich accountable for his actions.
The trial is expected to attract significant media attention, given Minaj’s celebrity status and the tragic nature of the case. As the court date approaches, both sides are preparing for what is likely to be a highly publicized legal battle. For Nicki Minaj and her family, the deposition and trial represent not only a quest for justice but also an opportunity to honor the memory of Robert Maraj.
In the coming months, the outcome of the case will undoubtedly have a profound impact on both the Maraj family and Charles Polevich. As the trial progresses, the public will continue to follow the developments closely, eager to see how the legal system addresses this heartbreaking case.
