Nicki Minaj Avoids Criminal Charges Amid Assault Allegations, Case Still Under Investigation
Read about the alleged heated backstage confrontation involving Nicki Minaj and her former tour manager, Brandon Garrett, that has escalated into legal battles and an ongoing investigation.
Details of the Dressing Room Confrontation and Lawsuit
A lawsuit filed by Brandon Garrett on Friday, January 3, alleges that after Nicki Minaj's April 2024 concert in Detroit, she sent him on an errand. Upon his return, he was summoned to her dressing room.
According to Garrett, Minaj was inside with other members of her team, questioning them about their job responsibilities. He claims she became enraged upon discovering that he had previously sent someone else to pick up one of her prescriptions.
Allegations of Verbal and Physical Abuse
In his lawsuit, Brandon Garrett alleges that Nicki Minaj screamed at him, saying, "Are you f***ing crazy having him pick up my prescription? You have lost your f***ing mind, and if my husband were here, he would knock out your f***ing teeth. You're a dead man walking. You just f***ed up your whole life, and you will never be anyone—I'll make sure of it."
Garrett claims Minaj continued yelling, telling him his "life was over" before striking him on the right side of his face with an open hand. He alleges the blow caused his head to snap backward, knocking his hat off in the process.
Fear and Isolation After the Alleged Incident
Minaj's security team then reportedly moved closer to Garrett. He claims she struck his wrist next, causing documents he was holding to fall to the floor. According to Garrett, Minaj then ordered him to "get the f*** out,"* prompting him to grab his hat and leave the room quickly. He says he locked himself in a restroom at Little Caesars Arena, where he remained for hours, fearing for his safety.
Garrett also alleges his wrist was throbbing, and his face was sore following the incident. He says he called his fiancé to explain what had happened while still locked in the restroom.
Additionally, Garrett claims Minaj's team refused to let him board the tour bus heading back to the tour's base in Chicago, leaving him stranded in Detroit.
Garrett claims Minaj repeatedly told him his "life was over" before striking him in the face with an open palm. He further alleges that she slapped his wrist, causing documents he was holding to fall to the ground.
Civil Lawsuit Filed Against Nicki Minaj
Garrett, 40, of Sun Valley, is suing Minaj for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, seeking damages for the incident.
He filed a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles against Minaj, whose legal name is Onika Maraj-Petty. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and claims Minaj’s actions caused him significant emotional and physical harm.
Prosecutor Denies Warrant Request Due to Insufficient Evidence
On January 6, 2025, Detroit police sought a warrant in the case, but the Prosecutor’s Office denied the request, citing “insufficient evidence” of a crime. However, prosecutors have called for further investigation and stated they may revisit the matter if more substantial evidence emerges.
Nicki Minaj will not face charges related to assault allegations made by her former tour manager, Brandon Garrett. However, the case is still under investigation.
Minaj, 42, has not commented publicly on the allegations. Her Pink Friday 2 World Tour featured a series of high-profile performances, with the Detroit stop noted as a highlight of the tour.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
As the case continues, attention now shifts to whether further investigation by Detroit police will uncover new evidence and if the civil lawsuit in Los Angeles will move forward to trial. Detroit police have not commented on the additional investigative steps requested by the prosecutor’s office.