Nicki Minaj has apologized for using a famous photo of Malcolm X with a rifle in his hands and juxtaposing it with a racial slur for her new song.
Minaj posted the photo Wednesday on her website and Instagram page, and received criticism for how she used the Malcolm X image. It's for her new song "Lookin (Expletive) (Expletive)." The title uses the N-word.
After she was roundly criticized on social media circles and beyond for what many saw as disrespect to a revered icon, she offered an apology Thursday on Instagram to the estate of Malcolm X — who was assassinated 49 years ago this month at age 39.
She also said that the song's artwork "is in no way to undermine his efforts and legacy."
"That was never the official artwork nor is this an official single. This is a conversation. Not a single," she wrote. "I apologize to the Malcolm X estate if the meaning of the photo was misconstrued. ... I have nothing but respect (and) adoration for u."
Still, she sounded exasperated that people were even upset over the issue.
"What seems to be the issue now? Do you have a problem with me referring to the people Malcolm X was ready to pull his gun out on as Lookin (expletive expletive)?" the 31-year-old asked in her post. "I am in the video shooting (the song) and there happened to be an iconic photo of Malcolm X ready to do the same thing for what he believed in!!!!"
U.S. & World
"Lookin" is male-bashing song. The photo of Malcolm X holding the rifle was taken when he was trying to protect his family from death threats (his home had been firebombed).
A Change.org petition was issued Thursday, encouraging the rapper to change the cover artwork.
Minaj's personal representative declined to comment and a rep for her record labels, Republic and Cash Money Records, didn't return emails seeking comment. A lawyer for Malcolm X's children also didn't immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press.
The picture was deleted from Minaj's Instagram account, but was still on her website Thursday.
