Nicki Minaj has entered an unexpected new chapter in her public life, drawing international attention after a series of political developments linked her to global conversations about human rights and religious persecution.
The rap superstar spoke out on Sunday after U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz praised her for agreeing to join him in delivering remarks this week on the reported persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The unlikely partnership surfaced after journalist Eric Cortellessa reported that Minaj and Waltz were scheduled to address the issue at an upcoming event organized in part by Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz.
In a post on X, Waltz described Minaj as “not only arguably the greatest female recording artist, but also a principled individual who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice.” His message followed confirmation that he and Minaj would appear together later in the week.
Ambassador, I am so grateful to be entrusted with an opportunity of this magnitude. I do not take it for granted. It means more than you know.
The Barbz & I will never stand down in the face of injustice. We’ve been given our influence by God. There must be a bigger purpose. 🎀 https://t.co/Mdh0nBWwm1
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) November 17, 2025
Minaj responded with gratitude, telling Waltz: “Ambassador, I am so grateful to be entrusted with an opportunity of this magnitude. I do not take it for granted. It means more than you know. The Barbz & I will never stand down in the face of injustice. We’ve been given our influence by God. There must be a bigger purpose.”
The planned appearance comes shortly after Minaj publicly supported Donald Trump’s call for Nigeria to be added to the U.S. State Department’s “Countries of Particular Concern” list. Trump cited what he described as violent attacks against Christians, calling the situation an “existential threat.” The Nigerian government has denied those claims, and experts say the conflict is driven by a complex combination of political, ethnic, and economic tensions — not solely religion.
Minaj expressed appreciation for Trump’s comments at the time, sharing that she felt a “deep sense of gratitude” after reading his statement. She wrote that no group should face persecution for practicing their faith and reminded followers that mutual respect does not require identical beliefs. She also encouraged prayers for Christians facing violence globally.
The 41-year-old rapper, whose fanbase spans cultures and continents, also took care to address concerns from non-Christian followers. Responding to a Muslim fan, Minaj emphasized that “faith should unite, not divide us,” adding that “there are extremists in every religion.” She extended love to her Muslim supporters and reiterated that her message was rooted in compassion rather than division.
