Nicki Minaj is doubling down after her heated exchange with Don Lemon spilled across social media.
The rapper defended her controversial language in a series of posts on X, explaining that she chose her words deliberately to draw attention to her criticism of the former CNN anchor.
“I purposely wrote it that way because I knew that would be the only way to get them to post about it,” Minaj wrote. “They would’ve all ignored the behavior displayed by Lemon. I’m glad they’re angry.”
LOL!!! And I purposely wrote it that way b/c I knew that would be the only way to get the cock suckas to post about it. They would’ve all collectively ignored the despicable behavior displayed by Lemon head.
I’m glad they’re angry.
They’re about to get angrier. https://t.co/yzMLAvgNaijaOnPoint pic.twitter.com/bVMroDyjAH— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) January 19, 2026
The clash began after Lemon shared footage of protesters interrupting a church service in Minneapolis during a demonstration connected to criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Minaj reacted forcefully, accusing Lemon of wrongdoing and calling for his arrest.
Lemon, who is openly gay, responded in interviews by condemning the remark and escalating the dispute with pointed accusations of his own. “It’s disgusting,” he said, adding that Minaj’s comments revealed deeper political motives.
DON ‘COCK SUCKIN’ LEMON IS DISGUSTING.
HOW DARE YOU?
I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!!!
HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION.
LOCK HIM UP!!!!! pic.twitter.com/xoQBl9KDJY
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) January 19, 2026
Minaj later insisted the focus should remain on Lemon’s actions, not her phrasing. “They’re about to get angrier,” she wrote, signaling she has no plans to back down.