Nicki Minaj Slams Don Lemon After Controversial Church Protest Coverage

Rapper Nicki Minaj has sparked fresh controversy after lashing out at journalist Don Lemon on social media over his reporting from a protest inside a Minnesota church. The heated exchange has drawn attention across politics, media and celebrity circles.

On Sunday, Minaj posted a series of messages on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter, blasting Lemon in all capital letters. In one message she used a homophobic slur directed at Lemon, who is openly gay, and demanded that he be arrested for his coverage of the event.

“DON ‘COCK SUCKIN’ LEMON IS DISGUSTING… I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!!! HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION.”

Lemon, a former CNN anchor now working as an independent journalist, was livestreaming and reporting as a group of demonstrators entered Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, during a Sunday worship service. Protesters were there to voice anger over federal immigration actions and the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the state.

The demonstration was part of ongoing unrest in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent earlier this month—a case that has sparked protests across the U.S. and intensified debates over immigration policy and enforcement.

Video and eyewitness accounts suggest that as chanting protesters entered the church and confronted worshippers, Lemon was reporting live from the scene. Critics aligned with Minaj’s viewpoint say his presence contributed to the disruption of the service, while Lemon and other defenders argue he was simply exercising journalistic freedom by covering a newsworthy protest.

In response to Minaj’s attack, Lemon pushed back, saying on social media that she “does not understand journalism” and suggesting her comments reflect insecurity rather than reasoned critique.

The dispute has drawn broader political reactions. Karoline Leavitt, Press Secretary for President Trump, condemned the church disruption and said the White House would not tolerate harassment at places of worship. She also noted that the U.S. Department of Justice has launched a full investigation into the incident.

Minaj’s criticism of Lemon comes amid her recent public support for President Donald Trump and conservative political causes, a position that has already stirred debate among her fans and the wider public.

As reactions continue to pour in from celebrities, political figures and everyday social media users, the incident highlights ongoing tensions over media, protest, religion and immigration policy in the United States.