Nicki Minaj has faced backlash for allegedly spreading misinformation during a speech at the United Nations, where she claimed that Christians in Nigeria are being specifically targeted with violence.
The rapper, known for her hit ‘Beez in the Trap,’ delivered the speech at the UN headquarters after accepting a position with the Trump administration, collaborating with US ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz.
Having publicly supported Trump, Minaj has already endured significant public scrutiny, particularly after she shared social media posts endorsing Trump’s anti-immigrant and anti-trans policies.
Recently, Minaj stirred up controversy once more when critics accused her of disseminating false information at the UN. In her speech, she asserted that Christians ‘are being targeted’ in Nigeria.
“I would like to thank President Trump for prioritizing this issue and for his leadership on the global stage in calling for urgent action to defend Christians in Nigeria,” Minaj stated.
“Today, faith is under attack in way too many places in Nigeria. Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes, and killed. Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart, and entire communities live in fear constantly simply because of how they pray,” she added.
The situation in Nigeria is more nuanced than simply Christians being singled out for attacks.
The country is dealing with extremist jihadi groups like Boko Haram, who commit acts of terror on the population, including massacring civilians and destroying buildings and infrastructure.
Nonetheless, the Nigerian government has rejected the notion that Christians are being specifically targeted, labeling it ‘a gross misrepresentation of reality’.
The government acknowledged the violent acts but stated: “Terrorists attack all who reject their murderous ideology – Muslims, Christians and those of no faith alike.”
This differs from the assertion that Christians are being specifically attacked for their faith.
Organizations monitoring violence in Nigeria have also reported that the majority of those killed by extremist groups are Muslims.
Christian Ani, a Nigerian security analyst, noted that it is impossible to claim that Christians are uniquely targeted.
Regrettably, Christians are among many groups suffering indiscriminate violence from groups like Boko Haram.
Abdulmalik Saidu, 32, who resides in the northwestern Nigerian state of Zamfara, shared that his brother was fatally shot by extremists.
He told ABC: “They don’t ask you whether you are a Muslim or a Christian. All they want is just money from you. [Even] if you have money, sometimes they will kill you.”
Representatives for Nicki Minaj have been contacted for comment.