Detainment at Schiphol Airport
On Saturday, Nicki Minaj, 41, was held by Dutch military police at Schiphol Airport. The authorities confirmed that a 41-year-old American woman was detained for attempting to take soft drugs out of the Netherlands. Minaj was fined and released around 19:45 GMT, a mere 45 minutes after she was due to start her performance at Manchester’s Co-op Live.
Minaj took to social media to document the ordeal, posting videos on X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram. In one video, a Schiphol employee is seen informing her that police wanted to search her luggage. In another livestream, a police officer tells her she is “carrying drugs,” which Minaj denies, claiming the marijuana found belonged to her security team.
Social Media Reactions and Accusations of Sabotage
Minaj’s social media posts hinted at a belief that her detainment was part of a larger scheme to sabotage her tour. She expressed frustration and suspicion, suggesting that significant efforts were being made to hinder her performances. “They’ve been trying to stop me from coming to every show,” Minaj wrote on X. She emphasized her belief that the actions were illegal and aimed at tarnishing her successful tour.
Despite the turmoil, Minaj maintained a calm demeanor in her videos, even as she expressed disinterest in cooperating with Dutch authorities. Her followers rallied behind her, trending the hashtag #FREENICKI on social media.
Manchester Concert Canceled
The unexpected detainment resulted in the cancellation of Minaj’s concert in Manchester. Co-op Live announced the news on X, explaining that despite Minaj’s efforts, the day’s events made it impossible to proceed with the show. The cancellation disappointed approximately 20,000 fans who had already gathered at the venue.
Minaj offered her “deepest and most sincere apologies” to her fans, expressing regret for the last-minute cancellation. “They succeeded at their plan to not let me get on that stage tonight,” she posted, without specifying who she believed was behind the alleged sabotage.
Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 tour is set to continue, with upcoming performances in Birmingham and a rescheduled show in Manchester. Minaj promised to announce a new date for the Manchester concert, assuring fans that their tickets would remain valid and teasing an “added bonus” for the inconvenience.
Following the cancellation, Minaj met with fans outside her Manchester hotel, expressing her love and apologies. “I love you … and I’m so sorry,” she told the gathered crowd, demonstrating her commitment to her fanbase despite the challenges.
