Nicki Minaj Uses Homophobic Slur Against Don Lemon After Minnesota Church Protest Coverage

On Monday, January 19, 2026, rapper Nicki Minaj posted on X using a homophobic slur to attack Don Lemon, an openly gay former CNN anchor now working as an independent journalist, following his livestream from a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Minaj wrote in all caps: "DON 'COCK SUCKIN'LEMON IS DISGUSTING, "adding, "HOW DARE YOU? I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL! !! !! HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION. LOCK HIM UP! !! !!"

The outburst targeted Lemon's coverage of protesters who interrupted the church's Sunday service to demand that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers leave the area and seek justice for Renee Good, a woman fatally shot earlier in January 2026 by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during a federal enforcement operation.

Cities Church's pastor serves as an ICE official, prompting the demonstration where activists shouted for agents to "get the hell out"of their town.

Lemon, who married real estate agent Tim Malone in 2024, responded to TMZ: "I’m not surprised Nicki Minaj does not understand journalism and is weighing in on matters that are above her capacity. However, the more appropriate image for her post is a 'Pick Me'Doll."

Minaj, known for her vocal support of President Trump and the MAGA movement during his second term, has aligned herself politically with figures defending the church incident.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned the protest, stating President Trump "will not tolerate the intimidation and harassment of Christians in their sacred places of worship, "and announced a Department of Justice investigation into the "despicable incident."

LGBTQ+ media outlets highlighted the slur's impact on gay people like Lemon, with The Pink News reporting community reactions such as "She is not our friend," reflecting disappointment from some in the community toward Minaj, who has previously positioned herself as an ally.

Rolling Out described Minaj's language as a "homophobic tirade"and "vile slur, "underscoring concerns about derogatory terms targeting gay men.

The NC Beat noted the attack occurred after Lemon's livestream of the ICE-related protest inside the church.

International Business Times UK reported the controversy as sparking backlash over Minaj's use of the slur on X in response to Lemon's church protest reporting.

AllHipHop mentioned Minnesota Attorney General Pam Biondi investigating the church drama, linking it to Minaj's demands for Lemon's arrest.