Nicki Minaj’s Former Tour Employee Files Lawsuit Over Alleged Assault
Nicki Minaj, the queen of rap and controversy, has landed in hot water again. This time, the chart-topping artist is facing a lawsuit from a former tour employee, Brandon Garrett, who is accusing her of assault, battery, and the “intentional infliction of emotional distress.” The alleged incident reportedly took place during her Pink Friday 2 tour in Detroit in April 2023.
According to court documents filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court, Garrett was working as a day-to-day manager on Minaj’s tour when the alleged altercation occurred at the Little Caesars Arena on April 21. Garrett claims he was summoned to Minaj’s dressing room after another staff member, hospitality manager Luke Montgomery, picked up a prescription for the rapper on his behalf.
The reason for the substitution? Garrett says he was busy assisting Minaj in her quick-change room during a performance, which was part of his duties. However, it seems the superstar didn’t take kindly to the arrangement.
Garrett alleges that Minaj became “visibly upset” and launched into a tirade, screaming, “Are you f—ing crazy having him pick up my prescription? You have lost your f—ing mind, and if my husband was 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.”
Tensions Escalate
Minaj turned her frustration toward Montgomery, demanding details about the prescription. She commanded him to check his phone for confirmation. Garrett claims that when answers weren’t forthcoming, Minaj allegedly got in his face and continued her verbal tirade.
What happened next has become the focal point of the lawsuit: Garrett alleges that Minaj “open-handedly struck” him on the right side of his face, causing his head to jerk back and his hat to fly off. He also claims she struck him on the wrist, knocking documents out of his hand.
“Terrified and Traumatized”
Garrett says he fled the scene, locking himself in a restroom for hours as he called his fiancé, feeling physically hurt and emotionally shaken. According to the complaint, his wrist was throbbing, and his face was sore, but he stayed hidden because he feared for his safety.
Garrett alleges that he was informed he wouldn’t be traveling with the crew to Chicago the next day. Forced to take a separate flight, Garrett contacted local police in Chicago, requesting an escort to his hotel due to safety concerns. Days later, he returned to Detroit to file a formal police report.
The Fallout
These allegations mark a troubling moment for Minaj, raising important questions about the treatment of staff during high-profile tours. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case will serve as a critical reminder of the responsibilities public figures bear in their interactions with those who work for them.
