Nicki Minaj and Don Lemon: A Controversial Clash Over Immigration Protests

The conflict between rapper Nicki Minaj and journalist Don Lemon intensified following Lemon's coverage of a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. On January 18, 2026, Lemon reported on a demonstration that disrupted a church service at Cities Church in St. Paul, where David Easterwood, the acting director of ICE's St. Paul field office, also serves as pastor. The protest was sparked by the January 7 killing of Renee Nicole Good, an American citizen, by ICE officer Jonathan Ross during an enforcement operation. Minaj responded to Lemon's reporting with a series of inflammatory posts on X (formerly Twitter), using a homophobic slur to describe him and calling for his arrest.

Nicki Minaj Says She Used a Homophobic Slur Against Don Lemon on Purpose — ‘I’m Glad They’re Angry’Don Lemon Responds After Nicki Minaj’s Homophobic SlurNicki Minaj Claims She ‘Purposely’ Used Homophobic Slur Against Don Lemon To Get Media Attention: ‘I’m Glad They’re Angry’Don Lemon Claps Back At Nicki Minaj After She Called Him A Homophobic SlurDon Lemon says Nicki Minaj lacks 'intelligence' after she called for his arrest using homophobic slurDon Lemon Reacts to Nicki Minaj's Gay SlurNicki Minaj Again Targets Don Lemon in Social Media RantDon Lemon breaks silence over Nicki Minaj's homophobic slur rant: 'Sit the f*** down'

In her initial post, Minaj referred to Lemon as “DON ‘C—K SUCKIN’ LEMON IS DISGUSTING,” and demanded, “LOCK HIM UP!!!!!” She later doubled down, stating, “I purposely wrote it that way b/c I knew that would be the only way to get the c**k suckas to post about it.” Minaj expressed satisfaction with the backlash, suggesting that it was a deliberate tactic to draw attention to her criticisms of Lemon's reporting.

Don Lemon Reacts to Nicki Minaj's Gay Slur

Lemon, who is openly gay, responded to Minaj's comments by labeling her remarks as “homophobic” and “bigoted.” He criticized her understanding of journalism, stating, “I’m not surprised Nicki Minaj does not understand journalism and is weighing in on matters that are above her capacity.” He also suggested that her choice of imagery in her posts was inappropriate, stating that a “Pick Me” doll would have been a more fitting representation of her behavior.

Don Lemon Addresses Nicki Minaj’s Homophobic Post, Minaj Responds To Reactions

The controversy surrounding Minaj and Lemon has drawn attention to the ongoing scrutiny of ICE's activities in Minnesota, particularly in light of Good's death. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon criticized Lemon's coverage, accusing him of “pseudo-journalism” and implying that he had a role in organizing the protest. Lemon rejected these claims, emphasizing that he was merely reporting on the event.

Nicki Minaj Says She Used a Homophobic Slur Against Don Lemon on Purpose — ‘I’m Glad They’re Angry’

The situation has also led to a surge of violent threats against Lemon, which he attributed to the media coverage of Minaj's remarks. He noted that the focus on personal attacks against him detracted from the serious issues surrounding the protest and Good's death.

Nicki Minaj Says She Used a Homophobic Slur Against Don Lemon on Purpose — ‘I’m Glad They’re Angry’

Critics of Minaj's comments have condemned her use of a homophobic slur, arguing that it undermines the seriousness of the issues at hand. Some have called for accountability regarding her remarks, while others have pointed out the potential for her statements to incite further division. Conversely, Minaj's supporters have framed the backlash as an overreaction, suggesting that her comments were taken out of context.

Nicki Minaj Again Targets Don Lemon in Social Media Rant

While Lemon's reporting has been defended as journalistic coverage of a significant protest, some sources have raised questions about his role in the event. The Justice Department's involvement, including warnings about potential legal ramifications for Lemon, adds complexity to the narrative. As of now, no charges have been filed against Lemon or the protesters.

Nicki Minaj Says She Used a Homophobic Slur Against Don Lemon on Purpose — ‘I’m Glad They’re Angry’

The ongoing feud between Minaj and Lemon shows no signs of abating, with both parties continuing to engage publicly. The legal implications of the protest and the broader issues surrounding ICE's actions in Minnesota remain critical topics of discussion, as the situation evolves.

Nicki Minaj Again Targets Don Lemon in Social Media Rant