NICKI MINAJ CONTACTS THE FBI AFTER ALLEGING THREATS

In July 2025, rapper Nicki Minaj escalated an online feud by involving federal authorities, including the FBI and CIA, after perceiving a threat from a Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) affiliate named MackWop. The incident, rooted in a heated social media exchange with R&B singer SZA and TDE president Terrence "Punch" Henderson, has drawn significant attention due to Minaj's public call for an investigation and her outreach to a U.S. congresswoman.

The Origin of the Feud

The conflict began when Minaj took to X to accuse Punch of bullying her, claiming she had evidence to support her allegations. The situation intensified when Minaj believed SZA was throwing subliminal shade, prompting a series of scathing posts. Minaj targeted SZA’s appearance, voice, and career, writing, “SZA, if every song you’ve ever done vanished right now, the music business wouldn’t even miss you.”

MackWop, a DJ associated with TDE since 2008, responded during a livestream, saying, “Nicki, relax... Relax before you get put in the blender like your boy did.” Many interpreted this as a reference to the lyrical feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, Minaj’s collaborator under Young Money Entertainment. However, Minaj took the comment as a direct threat, possibly alluding to the recent prison stabbing of rapper Tory Lanez, whom she has supported publicly.

Minaj’s Call to the FBI and CIA

On July 17, 2025, Minaj posted on X, tagging the FBI and questioning if MackWop’s statement was a threat: “@MackWop did you just threaten to harm me? @FBI I want this man investigated right away.” She further alleged that MackWop had ties to “shady business” and was admitting to a crime, speculating that the “blender” comment referred to Lanez’s stabbing, which she described as a possible setup. Minaj also tagged CIA Director John Ratcliffe, stating, “@CIADirector these thugs have gone way too far. They have now begun PUBLIC THREATS due to their leaders feeling above the law.”

Minaj’s posts didn’t stop there. She reached out to Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, writing, “@RepLuna this man just publicly threatened me. I’ve notified the FBI & CIA. I want this thug locked up & I’m ready to talk about everything these ppl have done to me.” Luna, a Republican and supporter of Tory Lanez’s pardon efforts, responded promptly: “Please text my cell, I will forward this to law enforcement immediately. Threats of violence and assassination should be taken very seriously. Hope you’re ok, we’ll talk soon.”

MackWop’s Response and Public Reaction

MackWop later clarified his statement in another livestream, denying any intent to threaten Minaj. “I wasn’t even going hard at her,” he said. “I wouldn’t even want to go at her because that’s Nicki Minaj.” He suggested his comment was about the rap beef landscape, not a physical threat. Despite this, Minaj continued to press, alleging MackWop was hiding behind law enforcement and demanding his incarceration.

The public reaction on X was mixed. Some users criticized Minaj for escalating the situation, with one stating, “Nicki Minaj tagging her local Republicans and @‘ing the FBI and CIA is INSANE to me. All off a social media post.” Others speculated that her response was disproportionate, noting her own history of online confrontations. Meanwhile, political commentator Candace Owens weighed in, retweeting Luna’s post and claiming, “The Feds run Hollywood,” suggesting broader industry conspiracies.

Context of Minaj’s Security Concerns

Minaj’s reaction may be informed by her history of being targeted. In April 2025, she was reportedly the victim of a swatting incident at her Hidden Hills home, where a false report of a shooting prompted a sheriff’s department response. This followed similar incidents in June and July 2023 involving false claims of child abuse and a shooting. Swatting, a growing issue for celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Arnold Schwarzenegger, has heightened concerns about safety.

Additionally, Minaj’s vocal support for Tory Lanez, convicted in the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion, has placed her at the center of controversy. Her reference to Lanez’s stabbing and her willingness to “snitch” on industry figures suggest a deeper narrative of perceived persecution.

What’s Next?

As of July 20, 2025, no official response from the FBI or CIA has been reported, and it remains unclear whether MackWop’s comments will lead to a formal investigation. Minaj’s decision to involve federal authorities and a congresswoman has sparked debate about the boundaries of online feuds and the seriousness of perceived threats in the digital age. While some see her actions as an overreach, others view them as a justified response to a pattern of harassment.

The feud has also reignited discussions about tensions within the music industry, particularly between Minaj and TDE. Whether this escalates further or fizzles out depends on the response from authorities and the involved parties. For now, Minaj’s call to the FBI has cemented her reputation for bold, unapologetic moves, keeping her at the forefront of hip-hop’s ever-evolving drama.