Nicki Minaj found herself in the midst of an unexpected moment during her Pink Friday 2 World Tour stop in Detroit when a fan threw an object at her onstage. The incident, captured in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Pop Crave, showcases the rapper’s swift reaction as she deflected the item and then proceeded to toss it back into the audience.
The video, circulated on Sunday, April 21, highlights Minaj’s performance of her hit track “Starships” when a pink object was hurled towards her from the crowd. Reacting instinctively, Minaj blocked the incoming item with her hand before retrieving it and swiftly sending it back into the audience.
Despite the surprise, the 41-year-old artist quickly resumed her performance, though visibly taken aback by the incident. However, a representative for Minaj has yet to provide a statement regarding the occurrence.
Nicki Minaj Throws Item Back into Crowd After Nearly Getting Hit by Object Onstage https://t.co/YPzipPzB3Y
— People (@people) April 22, 2024
Minaj’s encounter with a thrown object echoes similar incidents involving other music icons. Notably, in June 2023, Bebe Rexha faced a similar situation during her concert at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City. Rexha was struck on the forehead by a phone thrown from the audience, resulting in injuries that required medical attention, including stitches.
The perpetrator, identified as Nicolas Malvanga, was subsequently arrested on multiple misdemeanor charges, including assault and harassment. Malvanga confessed to police that he aimed to hit Rexha with the phone as a prank, further highlighting the dangers and disrespect associated with such acts.
The trend of throwing objects at performers during live shows has drawn condemnation from various artists, including Charlie Puth and Adele. Puth took to X to express his concern over the alarming trend, emphasizing the need for audience members to respect performers and refrain from endangering their safety.
Adele, during one of her Weekends with Adele shows at The Colosseum in Las Vegas, passionately addressed the issue, condemning the lack of show etiquette and warning against the repercussions of such behavior. Her statement echoed the sentiments of many within the music industry, calling for an end to the dangerous practice of throwing objects at artists during performances.
As incidents like these continue to occur, it becomes imperative for concertgoers to uphold respect and appreciation for artists, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
