American rapper Nicki Minaj stunned delegates at the United Nations General Assembly when she shifted focus from entertainment to human rights, urging world leaders to act swiftly to protect persecuted Christians in Nigeria.
Speaking during a special session on religious freedom, Minaj said she was deeply disturbed by reports of attacks on Christian communities across northern Nigeria. “We cannot remain silent while innocent people are targeted simply because of their faith,” she declared.
Saying she is “a proud New Yorker,” Minaj praised America’s strong culture of religious freedom. She reminded the audience that diverse societies grow when people respect one another’s beliefs.
“No group should ever be persecuted for practising their religion,” she said, adding that respect does not require agreement. She described intolerance as “ridiculous,” especially in a world where cultures interact daily through travel, technology and music.
Her global career, she said, has shown how songs cut across borders and beliefs. “Religious freedom means we all can sing our faith regardless of who we are,” she added. Turning to Nigeria, Minaj warned that “Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes, and killed.”
She said churches have been burned, families separated, and entire communities forced into fear because of how they pray. She insisted the pattern is not isolated, saying violence on religious grounds is spreading in several countries and demands urgent global cooperation.
Minaj thanked Ambassador Waltz for hosting the session. She also praised U.S. President Donald Trump, saying she was grateful for his willingness to raise the issue publicly.
In her words, “I would like to thank President Trump for prioritizing this issue… and calling for urgent action to defend Christians in Nigeria, to combat extremism, and to bring a stop to violence against those who simply want to exercise their natural right to freedom of religion or belief.”
Her statement landed at a time when several reports by organizations such as the U.S. State Department have listed Nigeria among the countries with severe religious-based attacks.
“Protecting Christians Is Not About Taking Sides” — Minaj
Minaj urged world leaders not to frame the protection of Nigerian Christians as a political argument. “Protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about taking sides or dividing people. It is about uniting humanity,” she said.
She praised Nigeria as “a beautiful nation with deep faith traditions,” adding playfully that she looks forward to discovering “beautiful bars” across the country someday.
Nicki is speaking at the United Nations on behalf of Christians being targeted and murdered in Nigeria
— Boochie is the Name (@stoppfeenin) November 18, 2025
.@NICKIMINAJ made it clear multiple times that this isn’t about taking political sides; she’s there standing up against the injustice in Nigeria and using her platform to do it pic.twitter.com/tCGaOJXDN1
She said any attack on a place of worship should shake the conscience of the world. “When one’s church, mosque, or place of worship is destroyed, everyone’s heart should break just a little bit,” she said.
She applauded peacebuilders and religious leaders present at the UN event, describing them as people who refused to ignore rising danger.
Minaj closed with a message of hope. She told participants she wants every person to live with dignity, belief, and safety. She also shared a personal note with her fans: “Barbs, I know you’re somewhere listening. I love you so very much… You have been the ultimate light in my life.”
The event ended with Minaj reaffirming her long-term commitment to defending vulnerable communities: “This isn’t about taking sides. This is about standing up to injustice… For the rest of my life, I will care if anyone anywhere is being persecuted for their beliefs.”
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