Rapper Nicki Minaj has intensified her criticism of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former White House COVID-19 advisor, in the wake of his recent Senate testimony. Minaj shared a satirical video on Friday in which she impersonated Fauci writing in a diary, followed by a series of social media posts.
In the video, filmed in near darkness, Minaj adopted a persona she attributed to Fauci, stating, "Dear Diary, well the press is hot for me." She continued the parody by referencing exaggerated claims of his public image, before pivoting to criticisms of his pandemic leadership. "Never mind that I sent millions of children back years on their education … the elderly are alone and afraid, dying by themselves," Minaj said in the clip. She concluded the impression with a jab: "If anyone asks questions, me and my gang ruins their lives."
The video and posts emerged days after Fauci appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. During the hearing, he reportedly invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times when questioned about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hearing occurred shortly after Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul, R-Ky., released Fauci's pandemic-era diary. The entries reportedly include his reflections on public perception and discussions concerning the origins of COVID-19. Following the hearing and the diary's release, Republicans have reportedly increased their scrutiny of Fauci. Representative Rich McCormick, R-Ga., has introduced legislation that would prevent Fauci from holding future government positions and could potentially subject him to criminal prosecution.
Minaj also used her social media to mock COVID-19 booster recommendations, comparing them to frequent releases of new shoe models. She stated, "They started telling yall to get a new booster shot every 5 to 10 business days like it was the new Jordans droppin?!?!!!!!!! That’s when I knew. I went in my backyard & started building the Arc. Nicki’s Arc. I know the Lord won’t send another flood but still."
Further posts attributed lasting emotional and societal damage during the pandemic to Fauci. "Feeding tubes will be his portion. He will lose the ability to speak & then & only then will he feel the collective pain & long term ramifications he caused to new borns, young children who are still trying to become acclimated into society & schools, traumatized pregnant women who couldn’t even have family in the delivery rooms & visits, the elderly who died alone & afraid," she wrote.
She also wrote about young people struggling with mental health and suicides, people being turned away from hospitals, and a perceived loss of trust in government. "The trust that is now gone from innocent people toward their governments forever, billions of stolen money from hard working tax payers via con artists…I’ve been struggling to find the humor in any of this. God bless everyone who made it to the other side. You’re stronger than you thought. God is in control," Minaj stated.
An AI-generated image accompanying one of her posts depicted Fauci in a 1990s-style bedroom, writing in a diary, referencing the recently released journals.
Minaj's remarks have garnered both support and criticism online. Some users expressed solidarity, with one commenter writing about regretting their COVID-19 vaccination and seeking justice. Minaj responded to this sentiment, encouraging prayer and stating, "Justice is imperative!!!!!!!!!" Actor Rob Schneider reportedly praised Minaj as a "real truth teller."
However, critics argued that Minaj, as a singer, lacks the authority to comment on public health matters, contrasting her with Fauci's decades of scientific and public service experience. One user stated, "We studied science. You sang songs. We aren’t the same. Stay in [your] lane." Another commenter called her criticism "laughable" and accused her of spreading "baseless vaccine claims."
Minaj has a history of publicly questioning Fauci and COVID-19 policies, and her recent actions indicate the ongoing nature of their public dispute.