Nicki Minaj is hardly new to controversies — pop fans know it well.
Be it against Miley Cyrus, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion or Latto, the singer/rapper has had much rap beef and retorted with countless diss tracks, proving she isn’t afraid of giving it back to anyone who crosses her. But this time, things went a little out of hand as the law got involved.
On 25 May 2024, Amsterdam police detained Minaj upon her arrival in the Netherlands, accusing her of drug possession, according to a video she recorded and shared on her Instagram Live. The rapper was about to commence the European segment of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour.
So, what happened? Was Minaj carrying drugs? Here is the complete timeline of why the ‘Super Freaky Girl’ singer was arrested in Amsterdam and what has happened since then.
A complete timeline of Nicki Minaj’s arrest in Amsterdam
25 May 2024: Nicki Minaj gets arrested at the Amsterdam airport for allegedly carrying drugs
The rapper arrived at the Amsterdam airport to catch her flight to Manchester for her next show on her ongoing Pink Friday 2 World Tour. Documenting the events that followed in an Instagram Live, Minaj shared what seemed like a police officer saying she was being detained for “carrying drugs”, requesting her to get into a police vehicle.
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) May 25, 2024
The singer provided regular updates to her fans on X (formerly Twitter) and believes it was an intentional act that hampered her concert tour.
25 May 2024: The rapper rejects the drug accusations and asks for her lawyers
In Minaj’s video, a police officer was seen approaching the ‘Superbass’ rapper and informing her that her bags had to go through a security check. She was allegedly apprehended for carrying marijuana pre-rolls in her luggage and was instructed to have all her bags removed from the plane and subjected to a thorough search.
She then pleaded to have her lawyers present with her and went on to tweet, “This is Amsterdam btw, where weed is legal.”
And the ppl who weigh it ain’t here 😅😩 told you, it’s to try to make me late so that they can write negative stories. Jealousy is a disease. You know the rest. https://t.co/E4wbQZWVDD
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) May 25, 2024
25 May 2024: Airport authorities inform Nicki Minaj that all her luggage would be offloaded for a security check
The airport authorities mentioned that a police officer instructed them to unload all the luggage and conduct a thorough search. Minaj then inquired why they hadn’t searched it before loading it onto the plane, to which he explained that although a random check was done, they felt the need to inspect it again.
When asked why, he responded that it was due to Nicki filming the officer and the officer’s suspicion that there might be more items than claimed.
They’re trying to keep me from MANCHESTER
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) May 25, 2024
25 May 2024: Nicki Minaj claims the pre-roll belonged to her security personnel
After facing objections over her Instagram videos, she later asserted that her security team owned the pre-rolls found in the bags. She went on to tweet: “Now they said they found weed & that another group of ppl have to come here to weigh the pre-rolls. Keep in mind they took my bags without consent. My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him. Oh yea & the pilot wants me to take my ig post down.”
That was the pilot in the gray suit smiling from ear to ear chi. Now ask yourself why would that be his role? And why the plane was nowhere to be found when I arrived. https://t.co/UoNEn535fR
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) May 25, 2024
25 May 2024: Fans start trending #FREENICKI on social media
As fans awaited more updates from their favourite rapper about the unfortunate situation, they came together to start the #FREENICKI movement on X. Before being absent for a few hours, she stated in her then-most recent tweet that the authorities instructed her to travel a short distance of 5 minutes to the police precinct to provide a statement regarding her security.
Now they said I have to go 5 mins away to make a statement about my security to the police precinct
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) May 25, 2024
26 May 2024: Nicki Minaj shares she was jailed for 5-6 hours
Minaj took to social media to share her experience of being locked up in a jail cell for a duration of approximately five to six hours.
Thank you to everyone who prayed for me today. May God cover you & all that is connected to you. May you be blessed beyond your imagination.
Barbz, I’m @ the stock exchange hotel in #Manchester I arrived a little over an hour ago.
After sitting in a jail cell for 5-6 hours, my…— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) May 26, 2024
Eventually, she reached her hotel in Manchester late at night. Without explicitly mentioning the individuals involved, she shared that they had successfully executed their plan to prevent her from performing on stage that night. In addition, Minaj extended her heartfelt apologies, emphasising her genuine remorse.
According to Dutch authorities’ statement to various news outlets, Minaj was arrested on suspicion of exporting soft drugs and fined 350 euros.
26 May 2024: ‘Pink Friday 2’ World Tour’s Manchester show gets cancelled
Amid all the chaos and confusion, Minaj’s Manchester show had to be cancelled as she couldn’t reach the UK on time. Fans were let inside the venue at 7 pm BST and were hopeful about the gig, unfortunately, the postponement announcement came through at 9:30 pm BST.
Based on information from social media videos and flight records, it was determined that the aircraft believed to be carrying Minaj was still located in Amsterdam when the Manchester concert was delayed.
27 May 2024: A new Manchester show date gets announced
In a series of tweets, Minaj revealed that 3 June would be the re-scheduled date for the Manchester show.
OK guys, I was JUST RE-ADVISED that we actually CAN NOT do any other date for the make up #gagcityMANCHESTER date besides JUNE 3rd. So JUNE 3rd is the new official date for all ticket holders who originally had tickets to the MAY 25th #Manchester show. I apologize for all the…
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) May 27, 2024
The 12-time Grammy nominee kicked off the tour in March 2024, starting with a show in Oakland, California, before moving the show to Europe earlier this month. Minaj announced a second leg of the tour for North America this week, adding 22 new performances.
(Hero and feature image credit: Instagram/Nicki Minaj)
This story first appeared here.
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Sanika lives for fashion and skincare. She enjoys writing about style, beauty, and lifestyle. She worked as a fashion writer for Man's World India magazine. When not writing about designers and trends, she likes to shop, travel, try new Sushi restaurants, practise pilates and rewatch her comfort shows.
