Nicki Minaj sparked controversy over the weekend after making an offhand remark about Vice President J.D. Vance during a public appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest conference.

The rapper was participating in an onstage conversation with Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, when she mistakenly referred to Vance as an “assassin” while praising political figures she described as role models. The comment appeared to be unintentional, as Minaj paused mid-sentence and visibly reacted to the slip, prompting murmurs from the audience.

The exchange occurred as Minaj was addressing young attendees and discussing her growing engagement with political issues. Moments earlier, she had spoken favorably about President Donald Trump and encouraged independent thinking among supporters. The incorrect reference to Vance, however, briefly shifted the tone of the event.

Erika Kirk responded calmly, telling Minaj that she had “heard everything under the sun,” helping defuse the situation and move the discussion forward. The two continued their conversation, touching on social media criticism and public backlash, with Minaj later stating that she remains focused on positivity and personal growth.

The moment drew attention online, particularly given the broader context surrounding political violence. Charlie Kirk was killed in September while speaking on a college campus in what authorities described as a politically motivated attack, a fact that made the remark especially sensitive for some observers.

Minaj has not issued a separate statement addressing the comment, though video clips of the exchange circulated widely on social media following the event.

This article is based on reporting by TMZ.