Nicki Minaj is now facing potential criminal charges following allegations of assault and battery filed in a lawsuit by her former manager, Brandon Garrett. TMZ reports that Detroit police have requested an arrest warrant, which is currently under review by the Prosecutorโs Office.
Arrest warrant requested in Nicki Minaj’s assault case
The incident, which allegedly took place in April 2024, involves Garrett, the Barbie World singerโs former day-to-day manager during her concert tour. He claims that Minaj screamed and physically assaulted him in her dressing room after a performance in front of other staff. According to Garrett’s lawsuit, Minaj became enraged upon discovering he had arranged for someone else to pick up one of her prescriptions, leading to an alleged slap in the face and further physical confrontation.
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On Saturday, the outlet reported that the Detroit Police have submitted a warrant request to the Wayne County Prosecutorโs Office, which is currently reviewing it to decide if criminal charges should be filed. The ultimate decision on whether to proceed with charges rests with the prosecutor.
While the prosecutor considers the case, Garrett is seeking compensation for the assault, battery, and emotional distress he claims to have suffered.
Nicki Minaj sued for assault, battery
On January 4, Nicki Minaj was accused of several offenses, including slapping her former manager, using profane language, issuing threats, and abandoning him while the rest of the crew returned. Minaj’s lawyer quickly dismissed the allegations, labeling them as “false and frivolous.”
Garrett recounted an incident during the tour where Minaj was schooling her staff. When she found out that he had arranged for someone else to pick up her prescription while she was busy with her schedule, she angrily shouted, โAre you out of your mind having him pick up my prescription? Youโve completely lost it, and if my husband were here, heโd knock your teeth out.โ She allegedly continued, โYouโre finished. Youโve ruined your life, and Iโll make sure you never amount to anything.”
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Garrett claimed that Minaj slapped him on the right side of his face, telling him his โlife was over.โ He further alleged that Minaj hit his wrist with such force that it caused the documents he was holding to fall out of his hands.
In response, the rapper’s legal team stated to TMZ claiming, โAt this time, no complaint has been served upon Mrs. Petty, and therefore, we are unaware of the specific allegations.”
โHowever, if the lawsuit is as reported by TMZ, it is completely false and frivolous. We are confident that the matter brought by this ex-assistant will be resolved swiftly in Mrs. Pettyโs favor,โ Nickiโs lawyer Judd Burstein said referring to the rapper’s original name Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty.