Nicki Minaj torches Kathy Hochul as ‘evil woman,’ and the governor fires back with Trump jab
Nicki Minaj criticised New York Governor Kathy Hochul on X, calling her an “evil woman” and urging voters to back Republican Bruce Blakeman in the 3 November gubernatorial election. Hochul responded by suggesting Minaj had been influenced by Donald Trump, turning the exchange into a public clash over politics and celebrity endorsements.
Minaj cited Hochul’s 2024 remark about some Black children in the Bronx not knowing the word “computer”; Hochul apologised at the time, saying she had misspoken. Minaj also criticised Hochul’s 2025 comments about liquor store visits during an appearance at a predominantly Black church, whose bishop defended the remarks as contextual. Social media users took opposing sides, with some saying voters should judge Hochul by her record.
In short
- Minaj urged voters to reject Hochul and support Bruce Blakeman.
- Hochul linked Minaj’s views to Donald Trump’s influence.
- The dispute revisited Hochul’s past comments about Black communities.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Minaj’s criticism can be seen as a legitimate challenge to a governor’s public remarks, particularly when they risk reinforcing stereotypes about Black communities. Her endorsement also reflects the view that celebrities, like other citizens, may use their platforms to urge voters to consider a candidate’s record and past statements.
The case against
Hochul’s defenders can argue that Minaj is drawing broad conclusions from remarks Hochul has apologised for or that were defended as contextual, rather than weighing the governor’s record as a whole. They may also see Hochul’s response as a fair rejection of a celebrity endorsement shaped by partisan influence, while recognising that voters should assess the candidates for themselves.
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