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Nicki Minaj sparks global conversation after powerful remarks at United Nations (UN) event
American rapper Nicki Minaj has reignited global attention around reports of religious persecution in Nigeria after delivering a heartfelt address at a United Nations (UN) event hosted by U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Minaj, who has recently spoken about the issue across her social media platforms, noted that her public advocacy was part of the reason she was invited to take part in the UN discussion.
She began her remarks by thanking former U.S. President Donald Trump for helping push the topic into the international spotlight.
Reflecting on her career, the rapper said music has shown her the power of unity across cultures, a reminder, she added, that “freedom of belief should never put anyone at risk.”
She warned that faith “is under attack in way too many places,” stressing that the protection of religious freedom must be treated as a global priority.
Minaj alleged that Christians in parts of Nigeria continue to face grave suffering, claiming many have been displaced, attacked, or killed because of their religious identity.
She said homes and churches have been burned, families forced into fear, and entire communities destabilized simply “due to their mode of worship.” According to her, the crisis “demands a response” from the international community.
She insisted her statements should not be viewed through a political lens, describing the issue instead as a matter of human dignity and justice. Protecting vulnerable people, she said, “should never be seen as taking sides.”
Minaj ended her address with a call for stronger global cooperation, expressing hope that the UN gathering would inspire renewed efforts to ensure that people everywhere can live and worship freely.
Her comments come just days after Trump suggested that Nigeria could be added to the U.S. list of Countries of Particular Concern, a move that could trigger diplomatic or economic consequences if the reported attacks continue.
Nicki Minaj’s full speech at the UN today on persecution of Christians in Nigeria:
“I want to make it very clear, once again, that this isn’t about taking sides. This is about standing up in the face of injustice. It’s about what I’ve always stood for”
— Pop Base (@PopBase) November 18, 2025