Grammy-nominated rapper Nicki Minaj, whose real name is Onika Maraj, has been sued for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The allegations come from Brandon Garrett, who claims Minaj struck him multiple times during a confrontation backstage at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on April 21. At the time, Garrett was reportedly working as a day-to-day manager for Minaj’s “Pink Friday 2” tour.
The Allegations
In the complaint, filed on Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Garrett alleges that the altercation occurred after he was summoned to Minaj’s dressing room by her head of security, Larry Dathan, also known as “Bz.” Upon arriving, Garrett claims he encountered eight staff members, including Dathan, employee Luke Montgomery, and Minaj’s former manager Deb Antney. Garrett asserts that Minaj was visibly upset and began complaining about staff inefficiencies before turning her attention to Montgomery, questioning his role on the team.
According to the lawsuit, Montgomery described his responsibilities, which included tasks such as setting up dressing rooms, arranging private jets, and managing refreshments for quick changes. He also noted that he handled requests relayed by Garrett, including picking up prescriptions. Garrett explained that he assigned the task of retrieving Minaj’s prescriptions to Montgomery due to his own tour-related obligations, including assisting Minaj with quick changes during performances.
This explanation allegedly enraged Minaj, who, according to Garrett, screamed, “Are you [expletive] crazy having him pick up my prescription?” and made threats such as, “If my husband was here, he would knock out your [expletive] teeth.” Garrett further claims that Minaj berated him with statements like, “You just [expletive] up your whole life and you will never be anyone. I’ll make sure of it.”
Physical Altercation Allegations
The complaint states that Minaj demanded details about the prescriptions and when they were picked up. When neither Garrett nor Montgomery could provide the information, Minaj allegedly grew more agitated. Garrett alleges that Minaj struck him open-handedly on the right side of his face, causing his head to snap backward and his hat to fall off. Additionally, he claims she hit his wrist, leaving it in a “throbbing” condition.
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Following the incident, Garrett says he locked himself in a restroom for hours before being informed by Antney that he would not be traveling with the tour to its next stop in Chicago. Garrett states he left the arena via Uber, contacted Detroit police, and eventually filed an official report. He claims he also sought a police escort in Chicago due to fears for his safety.
Nicki Minaj’s Response
Minaj’s attorney, Judd Burstein, has categorically denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit “false and frivolous.” In a statement shared with Variety, Burstein said, “At this time, no complaint has been served upon Mrs. Petty [Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty], and therefore, we are unaware of the specific allegations. However, if the lawsuit is as reported by TMZ, it is completely false and frivolous. We are confident that the matter brought by this ex-assistant will be resolved swiftly in Mrs. Petty’s favor.”
Legal Proceedings and Damages
Garrett is seeking punitive and exemplary damages, as well as general damages, for the alleged assault and subsequent emotional distress. The case will likely hinge on witness testimony and any available evidence from the incident at the Detroit arena.
A Pattern or an Outlier?
This lawsuit marks a notable moment in Minaj’s career, raising questions about backstage dynamics and the pressures of touring. While the allegations are serious, Minaj’s legal team has shown confidence in disproving them. Regardless of the outcome, the case underscores the importance of workplace accountability and conflict resolution within the high-stakes environment of global music tours.
As the legal proceedings unfold, fans and industry observers will undoubtedly follow closely, awaiting clarity on the veracity of Garrett’s claims and Minaj’s defense.
