Nicki Minaj Says She Felt ‘Subhuman’ After Netherlands Arrest: ‘I Wouldn’t Wish That on Anyone’
Nicki Minaj is reflecting on feeling “subhuman” after a May 25 incident, in which the “Super Bass” rapper was detained in the Netherlands for allegedly “carrying drugs.” As a result, Minaj was forced to reschedule the Manchester, UK, date of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour.
“Not being able to get to Manchester, I don’t know when was the last time I felt that low,” she said during a Stationhead appearance, according to Vibe. Minaj also claimed her arrest was due to racial discrimination, noting that treatment from Amsterdam officials was “disgusting.” She continued, “Not only that, but knowing that something is being done to you on purpose simply because you are a confident other race. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
The incident was recorded by Minaj in an Instagram Live video that was later reposted by her fans on social media. In the clip, a Dutch police officer is heard saying he is taking Minaj into custody for “carrying drugs,” despite her claim that she did not have any.
“I’m not going in there. I need a lawyer present,” Minaj responded, before officials asked her to get in their vehicle and stop recording. When the star asked if she’s under arrest, the official confirms and
the clip ends with Minaj voluntarily getting into the police van.
“Despite Nicki’s best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonight’s show happen, the events of today have made it impossible,” promoter Live Nation said in a statement on Saturday. “We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused.”
Minaj’s Manchester show has since been rescheduled to June 3.
Rania Aniftos
Billboard