Nicki Minaj referred to Vice President JD Vance as an ‘assassin’ during a stage appearance with the widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Minaj made an unexpected appearance at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 21. The 43-year-old was invited on stage by Erika Kirk for a Q&A session, during which she mistakenly used the word ‘assassin’ in a complimentary context to describe President Donald Trump’s close ally.
Charlie Kirk, a father of two, was assassinated while taking questions at a Turning Point USA event in September. Following his death, authorities arrested Tyler Robinson, 22, from Utah, charging him with seven offenses, including aggravated murder and witness tampering.
Addressing the audience, Minaj’s speech included an error: “Dear young men, you have amazing role models, like our handsome dashing president. And you have amazing role models like the assassin, JD Vance, our vice president – and when I say that…”
Minaj paused abruptly, realizing her mistake, and stayed silent for a few moments until Erika intervened.
“Trust me, there’s nothing new under the Sun that I have not heard, so you’re fine,” Erika, 37, said. “[Speaking directly to Minaj about what just happened] Yes, we did, I love you; I love you.”
Minaj, visibly troubled by her previous words, remained on stage as Erika reassured her: “You have to laugh about it. Truly, I have been called every single thing, and you know what God is so good, you let it roll right off your back – and this is what’s so beautiful about this moment, because if the internet wants to clip it, who cares?
“I love this woman, she is an amazing woman. She has a soul and a heart for the Lord, and words are words, but I know her heart and it doesn’t even matter – and you say what you want to say because I know your heart – and I do not judge that.”
Minaj expressed her gratitude to Erika before resuming her earlier comments.
The accused shooter, Robinson, appeared in court for the first time earlier this month wearing civilian attire, as the defense sought to limit media access to prevent potential juror bias.
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