Ruby Rose Claims Nicki Minaj Routinely Fired Crew Members During 2012 Tour

Nicki Minaj is facing renewed criticism after actress Ruby Rose accused the rapper of repeatedly firing staff members during her concert tour more than a decade ago.

The comments came after Minaj, 43, posted a series of offensive messages on X aimed at former CNN host Don Lemon. Her posts included a homophobic slur and harsh language criticizing Lemon’s reporting on an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church.

Reacting on Threads, Ruby Rose, 39, said she worked with Nicki Minaj during the Pink Friday Reloaded Tour in 2012 and described the experience as chaotic and hostile.

“I toured with Nicki Minaj,” Rose wrote. “Her ego is so outsized she HAD to fire someone after every show. Publicly.” She claimed that on the first night of the tour, Minaj fired security staff for failing to carry her off the stage smoothly after she jumped early.

Rose said tensions continued throughout the tour and suggested that many crew members expected to be fired. She also described an incident during Minaj’s birthday celebrations, claiming that staff were blamed after a video montage from friends and celebrities reportedly included incorrect references to Minaj’s age.

“I could go on,” Rose added, “but I’m waiting for her next outburst.”

Rose’s comments drew strong reactions online, with many users expressing support and encouraging her to continue sharing her experience.

The actress’s remarks followed backlash over Minaj’s attack on Don Lemon, 59. In a string of posts on X, Minaj used explicit and homophobic language, accused Lemon of wrongdoing, and called for him to be jailed. She also shared an image of a Chucky doll alongside the posts.

In a follow-up message, Minaj acknowledged using offensive language intentionally, saying she expected the remarks to provoke backlash.

Lemon, who is openly gay and married to Tim Malone, responded publicly. Speaking to TMZ, he said he was “not surprised” by Minaj’s comments and accused her of not understanding journalism. He later addressed the issue in an Instagram video, calling her posts “unhinged and homophobic.”

“I usually don’t respond to this stuff,” Lemon said, “but Nicki Minaj, stop talking about things you know nothing about. This is out of your depth.”

As of now, Minaj has not directly responded to Ruby Rose’s claims.