Rap superstar Nicki Minaj has unleashed a vicious and homophobic social media attack on veteran journalist Don Lemon, following his coverage of a disruptive protest at a church in Minnesota.
Chaos in the Chapel: The Protest That Sparked the Fury
The controversy erupted after Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor now working independently, livestreamed a confrontation at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. On Sunday, demonstrators stormed into a Sunday service to condemn the alleged presence of leadership from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the congregation.
The protesters, who chanted 'ICE out', linked their action to the recent fatal shooting of 37-year-old Minneapolis mother Renee Nicole Good. Good was killed earlier this month by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Activist Nekima Levy Armstrong, speaking to Lemon inside the church, accused the institution of 'harboring someone who is commanding ICE agents to terrorize our communities'.
The invasion quickly disrupted worship, with multiple churchgoers leaving in anger. One described feeling 'violated' and 'interrupted', while another stated the protesters had made their point 'worthless'.
Minaj's Explosive and Bigoted Response
Nicki Minaj, 43, responded to Lemon's journalism with a furious, all-caps tirade on X (formerly Twitter). In a now-deleted post, she wrote: 'DON 'C**K SUCKIN' LEMON IS DISGUSTING.'
She continued her homophobic attack, targeting Lemon's sexuality. The journalist is openly gay and married real estate agent Tim Malone in 2024. Minaj added: 'HOW DARE YOU? I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!!! HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION. LOCK HIM UP!!!!!'
When approached for comment by TMZ, Don Lemon offered a dismissive retort. He said: 'I'm not surprised Nicki Minaj does not understand journalism and is weighing in on matters that are above her capacity.'
Official Condemnation and Escalating Tensions
The church protest itself drew swift condemnation from federal officials. Attorney General Pam Bondi reassured the pastor that attacks would be met with 'the full force of federal law'. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon confirmed protesters would be investigated under the FACE Act, which criminalises the use of force or threats at places of worship.
ICE itself posted on social media, stating: 'Agitators aren't just targeting our officers. Now they're targeting churches, too… We won't be deterred.'
The protests across Minnesota have intensified following Good's killing, creating a major political rift. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey claimed his city was 'under siege', while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has also criticised ICE. The Trump administration has launched a Department of Justice investigation into both leaders for allegedly impeding federal law enforcement.
President Donald Trump addressed the unrest on Truth Social, warning of a 'QUICKLY and EFFECTIVELY' resolved situation if he was 'forced to act'. The Department of Homeland Security has since deployed nearly 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota, with a further 1,500 troops reportedly on standby as tensions continue to escalate.
