Don Lemon Claps Back At This ‘Homophobic Bigot’ Rapper

Don Lemon is firing back at Nicki Minaj after the rapper hurled a homophobic slur at him on social media.

Lemon, a former CNN anchor, was covering an ICE protest in Minneapolis on January 18, 2026, coverage that Minaj made clear she disapproved of.

In a new interview, Don Lemon clapped back at Nicki Minaj after learning of her comments, suggesting she harbors disdain for “African Americans” in the United States and lacks the acumen to speak on politics.

Speaking with TMZ, Lemon wasted no time addressing Minaj’s vitriol, telling the “Super Bass” rapper to “sit the f-ck down” before attacking her intellect by advising her to “grow some brains.”

Lemon also addressed Minaj’s “homophobic” rhetoric, calling her a “bigot” who has “shown her disdain for African Americans.”

The 59-year-old didn’t stop there, further scrutinizing the performer’s intelligence by asserting that politics is “out of her depth.”

“She doesn’t understand politics, she doesn’t understand journalism, and I’m not surprised that she’s weighing in on something that is beyond her capacity.”

Lemon, who hosts “The Don Lemon Show,” also blasted Minaj for being an alleged “pick me,” a term often applied to those seeking male validation.

“Nicki Minaj will do anything that is expedient for her politically. And again, she’s ignorant; she doesn’t know what she’s talking about, and she’s always weighing in on things she doesn’t know about. Nicki Minaj should just sit the f-ck down.”

And there’s more. Before Lemon wrapped up his response, he took a shot at Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, calling him an “alleged pedophile.”

Lemon expressed confusion regarding Minaj’s “homophobic” statements, citing her husband’s criminal background as a point of hypocrisy.

Lemon’s response follows the pushback he faced from some social media users and Minaj over his coverage of an ICE protest unfolding in Minnesota.

According to PEOPLE, the protest disrupted a church service “where David Easterwood — a local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent — is a pastor.”

Lemon posted footage of the protest on his BlueSky social media account, which drew the ire of Minaj.

“DON ‘C— SUCKIN’ LEMON IS DISGUSTING. HOW DARE YOU? I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!!! HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION. LOCK HIM UP!!!!!” Minaj wrote, per The Blast.

Minaj’s statements arrive just weeks after the “No Frauds” rapper made a surprise appearance at a Turning Points USA convention.

During her appearance, the artist spoke about her faith and explained that she felt encouraged to talk openly about her Christian religion.

She also directed a remark toward the men in the audience, sparking backlash online. “Boys, be boys… It’s ok be boys… There’s nothing wrong with being a boy.”

“Dear young men, you have amazing role models like our handsome, dashing president, and you have amazing role models like the assassin JD Vance, our vice president,” she added.

The ICE protest in Minnesota follows ICE’s fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Good. According to The Blast, Good was struck by gunfire during an immigration operation; however, she was not the intended target of said operation.

The fatal shooting occurred after Good’s vehicle reportedly struck an ICE agent when the agent attempted to open her car door. The video is chilling, showing Good’s vehicle driving forward a few feet before crashing into a light pole.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke out about the shooting days after the event, slamming the government for perpetuating a “lie about what happened.”

“So, very demoralizing, devastating to lose anyone’s life, especially in that manner,” Kerr said. “So it’s terrible, terribly sad for her family, and for her, and that city, and I’m glad the Timberwolves came out and expressed that sadness.”

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch likewise expressed his thoughts on the unfathomable “tragedy.”

“We want to just convey our condolences and heartfelt wishes and prayers and thoughts to the families and loved ones and all of those that are greatly affected by what happened,” he said.