Nicki Minaj’s return to Amsterdam cancelled after livestream drugs arrest
Nicki Minaj’s latest concert in Amsterdam has been axed, nearly a week after she was arrested on suspicion of trying to export drugs.
The rapper performed in the Dutch city on Thursday night (May 23) as the first date of her UK and European tour. However, as she went to travel to the show in Manchester she was detained on suspicion of “carrying drugs”.
She shared footage of the arrest as part of an Instagram livestream, and filmed what appeared to be a group of Dutch police officers arresting her and asking her to enter a police vehicle so they could take her to the station.
In the post she is heard immediately denying all accusations, and repeatedly saying that she is not going anywhere without the presence of a lawyer. The incident led to her spending “5-6 hours” in a Dutch jail cell, and being forced to postpone her show in Manchester.
Now, following her playing shows in Birmingham, London and Glasgow – as well as a rescheduled gig in Manchester – it has been confirmed that Minaj will no longer be playing her second scheduled show in Amsterdam.
Promoter Mojo shared news of the cancellation, explaining that it’ll no longer be taking place “due to the events of last week”.
The news comes after a Dutch military police spokesman told BBC News that the case against Minaj had been wrapped up, and the rapper wouldn’t face any further action if she returned to the country.
Minaj hasn’t yet commented regarded the latest cancellation, however did previously criticise her treatment at the airport as “just disgusting”.
“Not being able to get to Manchester, I don’t know when was the last time I felt that low, you know? And not only that, but just knowing that something is being done to you on purpose. You are a confident other race,” she said (via BBC).
“But I’m not going to get into it and tell you guys the joy they took in it, even while I was there. But you know what? There was one lady there – all the rest were men – and I could tell she had a heart. But the treatment was just disgusting. And I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
The outlet also shared a response from Dutch military police spokesman. “We just do our job and it is protocol to search luggage and arrest a person when we find drugs,” they said. “The arrest was around 17.30, the release at 21.30. We stand for a professional organisation that treats everybody equal, no matter what.”
She was fined €350 (£300), and accused of carrying 30 to 100 grams of cannabis. Minaj then claimed “the pre-rolls” belonged to her security guard.
Her show in London was given a four-star review by NME, and praised as reminding fans of her “stature as a generational rap artist.”
“After surprise appearances from Stylo G and Giggs, she then unexpectedly brings out pioneering dancehall artist Beenie Man as the clock starts to near midnight – time is, clearly, not of the essence in Gag City,” it read. “But if a top-notch arena show is about letting go and giving it your all, then this is that in excelsis.”
The post Nicki Minaj’s return to Amsterdam cancelled after livestream drugs arrest appeared first on NME.
Liberty Dunworth
NME
