AMSTERDAM, Netherlands – Renowned rapper Nicki Minaj was briefly detained at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport for allegedly having soft drugs in her possession but was released after the incident escalated and drew widespread attention. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee stated that following their investigation, the artist faced fines and was permitted to continue her travels.
During a dramatic live recording of the arrest broadcast on social media, Minaj, whose legal name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, vehemently refuted the officers’ accusations. The 41-year-old American was instructed by the police to enter a vehicle for transportation to the station due to suspicions of drug transportation.
Resolutely demanding legal representation while denying the assertions, the hip-hop star complied and entered the van. The controversy unfolded as Minaj was en route to perform in Manchester, England, as part of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour.
Subsequent footage showed Minaj engaging in a discussion with a suited individual, discussing the police’s intent to examine her luggage further. This second encounter was allegedly prompted by Minaj filming the earlier interaction with law enforcement.
Expressing her distress on X, Minaj suggested the arrest was a deliberate attempt to disrupt her ongoing tour, attributing the incident to a vindictive ploy by recently dismissed individuals from her team. Additionally, she claimed that her bags were confiscated without consent in an attempt to cause a delay, potentially causing her to miss her performance.
The rapper contended the accusation of carrying drugs was fueled by malicious intentions against the success of her tour. Minaj disclosed via social media that prior to the encounter with authorities, her security had mentioned the presence of pre-rolled marijuana joints in her luggage.
The Amsterdam police, as well as Minaj’s spokesperson, have yet to comment on the specifics of the incident publicly. The matter has raised questions about celebrity treatment and the intersection of legality and privacy during international travel.
As Minaj resumes her tour schedule, fans and critics alike are buzzing about the law enforcement encounter, with conversations about the incident playing out across social media platforms and within entertainment circles.
The investigation into the incident at Schiphol Airport continues, and there has so far been no indication of any long-term legal implications for Minaj stemming from the incident. With the rapper now free to continue her tour, the situation appears to have concluded as abruptly as it began.
