Nicki Minaj Don Lemon Feud 2026: Inside the Explosive Social Media Clash

"Get a life and stop being a pick-me."Don Lemon didn't pull any punches in his response to Nicki Minaj after the rapper launched a homophobic tirade against him. This latest escalation marks a new low in the relationship between the independent journalist and the hip-hop icon, blending personal insults with heavy political undertones.

The Escalating Nicki Minaj Don Lemon Feud 2026

On January 19, 2026, the tension boiled over after Nicki Minaj attacked Lemon on social media, referring to him with homophobic slurs and calling for his imprisonment. Her anger stemmed from Lemon's reporting on a protest held inside a Minnesota church. Lemon, who has nearly 2 million followers on TikTok, responded with a video calling Minaj a "homophobic bigot" and telling her she's "out of her depth."

Lemon highlighted that while Minaj claims to represent Black culture, her actions suggest otherwise. He urged both the Black and gay communities to stop supporting her music, labeling her a "pick-me" for the Trump administration. "I choose not to pick you," Lemon stated, emphasizing the disconnect between Minaj's rhetoric and her target audience's interests.

Political Allegiances and Family Controversies

The feud isn't just about tweets; it's deeply rooted in Minaj's shift toward the political right. Reports from Entertainment Weekly suggest that Minaj has been increasingly vocal in her support for Donald Trump. Lemon used this to his advantage, pointing out the irony of her support for an administration that targets immigrants, given reports that she may be an undocumented citizen herself.

The conflict has also brought dark family history back to the forefront. Lemon reminded his audience that Minaj's husband is a registered sex offender and her brother was sentenced to 25 years to life in 2020 for rape. As the Department of Justice reportedly weighs charges against Lemon for his reporting, the court of public opinion remains sharply divided.