Nicki Minaj is facing a lawsuit from her former day-to-day manager, Brandon Garrett, who has accused the rapper of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The allegations stem from an alleged altercation backstage at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit during Minaj's Pink Friday 2 World Tour.
In the lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Garrett claims that Minaj, born Onika Maraj, physically struck him during a heated confrontation on April 21. According to Garrett, the incident began when Minaj summoned him to her dressing room to address frustrations about her team's performance.
The suit states that Minaj was visibly upset, allegedly criticizing staff members for not understanding their roles. She reportedly became angry with Garrett for delegating the task of picking up her prescriptions to another employee, Luke Montgomery.
"Are you f***ing crazy having him pick up my prescription?" Minaj allegedly shouted, according to court documents. She purportedly added, "If my husband were here, he would knock out your fing teeth. You just f***ed up your whole life and you will never be anyone. I'll make sure of it."
The complaint details how the situation escalated when Montgomery was unable to provide specific details about the prescription pickup. Minaj allegedly demanded to see messages on his phone and continued berating Garrett. Garrett claims Minaj then struck him on the right side of his face with an open hand, causing his hat to fly off and leaving him in pain.
Garrett also alleges that Minaj hit his wrist, leaving it in a "throbbing" condition. Following the incident, Minaj reportedly ordered Garrett to leave the dressing room. He claims he locked himself in a nearby restroom for hours out of fear.
Afterward, Garrett says he was informed by another team member, Deb Antney, that he would not be allowed to join the group on the tour bus to Chicago. Left stranded in Detroit, Garrett says he took an Uber to the airport and contacted the Detroit Police Department to file a report. However, he was told he needed to appear in person to make a formal complaint.
Garrett eventually filed an official report in Detroit and is now seeking punitive and general damages through the lawsuit.
Minaj's legal team has denied the allegations. Her attorney, Judd Burstein, described the claims as "completely false and frivolous," adding, "We are confident that the matter brought by this ex-assistant will be resolved swiftly in Mrs. Petty's favor."
The lawsuit also accuses Minaj's team of leaving Garrett stranded and tampering with his belongings. Garrett claims he contacted Chicago police for an escort to his hotel upon his arrival in the city.
Garrett's lawsuit sheds light on alleged backstage tensions during Minaj's ongoing world tour. Known for her assertive persona, Minaj has yet to address the allegations publicly.
The lawsuit comes at a time when Minaj is riding high on the success of her Pink Friday 2 album, which has garnered widespread acclaim. However, this legal battle adds a contentious chapter to her career.
