Nicki Minaj Avoids Assault Charges in Tour Manager Drama, But the Investigation is Far from Over
Nicki Minaj, the global rap icon, has managed to sidestep potential assault charges—at least for now. Prosecutors in Wayne County, Michigan, recently rejected a request by the Detroit Police Department for a warrant to arrest Minaj over an alleged backstage altercation with her former tour manager, Brandon Garrett, in April 2024.
According to a spokesperson for the Prosecutor’s Office, there is “insufficient evidence” to issue a warrant at this time. However, police have been instructed to continue their investigation, leaving the door open for future legal action.
The Incident
Garrett, who claims to have worked as a manager for Minaj, filed a civil lawsuit alleging that the “Super Freaky Girl” rapper assaulted and threatened him after a concert at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
The lawsuit details a heated confrontation in Minaj’s dressing room when Garrett reportedly failed to personally retrieve a prescription for the artist, delegating the task to another employee, Luke Montgomery.
Garrett alleges that an irate Minaj berated him, shouting, “Are you insane for letting someone else get my prescription?” He claims her tirade escalated into threats:
“You’ve lost your mind, and if my husband were here, he’d knock your teeth out. You’re a walking dead man. You just ruined your life, and you’ll never be anybody—I’ll make sure of it.”
Allegations of Physical Assault
In a dramatic recounting of events, Garrett accuses Minaj of slapping him on the right side of his face, causing his head to snap back and his hat to fall off. He further alleges that Minaj struck his wrist, forcing him to drop important documents he was holding.
Fearful for his safety, Garrett claims he retreated to a bathroom and locked himself inside for hours, calling his partner to share the traumatic experience. He stayed in Detroit for several days, too shaken to return to the tour bus, and later filed a report with the Chicago Police Department before submitting another report in Detroit.
Garrett’s lawsuit accuses Minaj of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He is seeking punitive damages and other forms of compensation for the alleged physical and emotional harm he endured.
Nicki Minaj Denies All Allegations
Through her attorney, Judd Burstein, Minaj has strongly denied the claims, labelling them “false and frivolous.” Burstein stated:
“At this time, no complaint has been formally served to Mrs. Petty [Minaj’s legal name], and we are unaware of any specific allegations. We are confident this baseless case will be resolved in her favour.”
Burstein also refuted Garrett’s professional ties to Minaj, describing him as a “former assistant,” not a manager.
The Fallout
The alleged incident reportedly ended Garrett’s employment with Minaj, leaving him stranded in Detroit without access to the tour bus. He claims the experience left him traumatized and physically injured, with lingering wrist pain and facial soreness.
The timing of the allegations adds further intrigue. Minaj was amid her Pink Friday 2 World Tour, which spanned from March to October 2024. Despite the legal distractions, the Grammy-nominated rapper continued to deliver high-energy performances, earning widespread acclaim.
For now, Minaj is not facing criminal charges, but the investigation remains ongoing. As prosecutors wait for additional evidence, the case has ignited public debate, with fans fiercely defending the rap superstar while critics question the claims against her.
Will new evidence surface to reignite this legal battle, or will Minaj emerge unscathed from this latest controversy? Only time will tell.
