In a striking show of solidarity, model and media personality Amber Rose has publicly defended fellow musician Nicki Minaj following the latter's controversial appearance and endorsement of Donald Trump at a major conservative conference.
Rose Champions Minaj's Right to Political Opinion
The incident unfolded after Nicki Minaj, 43, officially declared her support for former President Donald Trump during a high-profile appearance at the Turning Point USA event this week. This move mirrors Amber Rose's own pledge of allegiance to Trump, which she made at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Speaking to TMZ, Rose, 42, praised her longtime friend's participation in the conservative gathering. "She did an amazing job," Rose stated, referring to Minaj's conversation with Erica Kirk. She firmly emphasised the principle of free political expression, saying, "We live in a free country. She has the right to her own political opinion, just like everyone else does."
Rose also mounted a robust defence of Minaj against significant backlash from segments of the LGBTQ+ community, sparked by the rapper's Trump support and comments on transgender issues. "She didn't say anything wrong. She didn't say anything about the LGBTQ+ community at all," Rose stressed.
Addressing Allegations of Homophobia and Transphobia
Directly countering claims that supporting Trump equates to prejudice, Rose offered personal anecdotes. "Why does anybody think that anybody over there [in the Trump administration] is homophobic? I'm not homophobic. My assistant has been with me for eleven years, he's black and gay," she explained.
She further elaborated on her and Minaj's personal circles, arguing that political preference does not dictate personal bigotry. "I have a bunch of trans friends. So does Nicki. I don't know why people twist our words or think that because we endorse Trump that we just hate gay people and trans people. It's just not true."
The Viral 'Assassin' Slip-Up at AmFest
This defence comes in the wake of an awkward moment for Minaj during her Sunday appearance at Turning Point USA's AmFest. While attempting to praise vice-presidential candidate JD Vance, Minaj referred to him as an 'assassin' during her chat with Erica Kirk, the widow of the assassinated Charlie Kirk.
The rapper, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, appeared to realise her poor choice of words immediately, putting her head in her hands as some in the audience laughed. Kirk, however, graciously defused the tension, telling Minaj, "Trust me, there is nothing new under the sun that I have not heard. So you're fine… You let it roll right off your back."
Kirk later praised Minaj's character, predicting the clip would go viral but dismissing its significance. "I love this woman. She's an amazing woman... words are words, but I know her heart and it doesn't even matter," Kirk stated.
Prior to the gaffe, Minaj had received huge cheers for her effusive praise of President Trump, telling the audience, "I have the utmost respect and admiration for our President... This administration is full of people with heart and soul and they make me proud." The episode highlights the complex intersection of celebrity, politics, and public perception in a deeply divided climate.
