Deon Cole's Opening Monologue Sparks Controversy at NAACP Image Awards
Comedian Deon Cole did not hold back during his opening monologue at the 57th NAACP Image Awards, delivering a series of pointed jokes that targeted rapper Nicki Minaj and her recent political affiliations. Hosting the prestigious ceremony at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Cole had the audience roaring with laughter as he launched into a mock prayer that quickly turned into a biting commentary on current events.
A Mock Prayer Takes Aim at Nicki Minaj
Cole began his routine with what appeared to be a sincere prayer before swiftly shifting to controversial territory. 'Lord, we want you to bless our sister Nicki Minaj, Lord,' Cole began with dramatic flair. 'She's been going through a lot lately. Hasn't been herself, Lord.' The comedian then added the line that drew the biggest reaction from the crowd: 'I believe whatever's in her a** is affecting her brain, Lord.'
Cameras captured audience members laughing and smiling as Cole fully committed to his preacher-style delivery. The remark about Minaj 'not being herself' appeared to directly reference the significant backlash the rapper has faced in recent months over her vocal support for former President Donald Trump.
Nicki Minaj's Growing Political Alignment
The context for Cole's jokes stems from Minaj's increasingly public alignment with Trump and his political circle. Just last month, the 43-year-old rapper revealed she had received a signed Bible from Trump, describing it as 'one of the most meaningful gifts I've ever received in my entire life.' She shared an image of the Holy Bible, which featured 'God Bless The USA' branding along with Trump's signature, to her social media platforms.
This was not the only Trump-themed gift Minaj has showcased to her followers. In January, she posted a photo of a Trump 'Gold Card' bearing his image and signature. Around the same period, she informed fans she was finalizing her U.S. citizenship paperwork, writing in one post: 'Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President.'
Earlier this week, Minaj marked Presidents' Day with digitally altered images that appeared to show Trump alongside her in matching pink outfits while cruising in a car. The post sparked immediate debate among social media users, with some pointing out that a reflection of her husband, Kenneth Petty, seemed visible in the window behind Trump's head.
Political Shift Causes Fan Friction
Minaj, who married Petty in 2019 and shares a five-year-old son with him, has become increasingly vocal in her support for Trump and Vice President JD Vance over recent months. She has appeared at political events and even referred to herself as the president's 'number one fan.' This political shift has created significant friction within her fanbase, with numerous longtime supporters publicly distancing themselves from the artist.
Additional Targets in Cole's Monologue
Cole's monologue extended beyond Minaj to include other contemporary issues. He addressed the audience directly with another prayer segment: 'Before we go, Lord, if there are any white men out here in the audience with Tourette's, I advise you to tell them they better read the room tonight, Lord.' This appeared to reference the recent BAFTA Awards controversy involving activist John Davidson, who has Tourette's syndrome and involuntarily shouted a racial slur during the ceremony.
The comedian also took aim at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in a segment that was largely censored during the CBS and BET broadcast of the event.
Celebrating Achievement Amid Controversy
Despite the buzzy and controversial opening, the evening ultimately celebrated major achievements in film and television. The horror film Sinners and its star Michael B. Jordan emerged as significant winners of the night. Jordan, 39, took home Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his role as twins in the acclaimed film before returning to the stage to accept Entertainer of the Year.
'Y'all really don't understand how much this means to me,' Jordan said, visibly emotional during his acceptance speech. He reflected on attending the Image Awards as a child and described the event as a 'reunion,' adding: 'This is the place I always felt encouraged, felt like I was being celebrated and nourished, you guys poured into me. I felt seen here. I felt comfortable. I felt the love.' He concluded by dedicating his award to his late Black Panther costar Chadwick Boseman, who died in 2020 at age 43.
