Rapper Nicki Minaj has reignited her public dispute with Dr. Anthony Fauci, releasing a mocking "Dear Diary" video and a series of critical messages on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday. The video parodies the former White House COVID-19 advisor shortly after the release of his personal diary and his testimony before a Senate committee.
In the clip, Minaj, 43, adopts a slow, measured voice to impersonate Fauci writing in his diary. She satirizes diary entries that highlighted Fauci's interactions with celebrities and his perceived fame, referencing comments attributed to actress Julia Roberts and the actor Brad Pitt portraying him on "Saturday Night Live." The diary entries were made public by Senate Homeland Security Committee chair Rand Paul prior to Fauci's congressional hearing.
Minaj used the parody to voice her criticisms of Fauci's pandemic-era policies, which she claims caused significant harm. "Never mind that I set millions of children back years on their education. Never mind that the elderly are alone and afraid, dying by themselves," she said in character. She also coined the phrase "Fauci ouchy" and suggested that Fauci and his associates would ruin the lives of those who questioned them.
Minaj further posted that Fauci would eventually require a feeding tube and lose his ability to speak, asserting that only then would he comprehend the pain and long-term consequences of the pandemic. Her written statements on X detailed her grievances, including the impact on children's education, pregnant women, the elderly, mental health struggles, and a perceived loss of public trust in government. She also alluded to financial impropriety, mentioning "billions of stolen money from hard working tax payers via con artists."
The rapper also criticized the frequency of COVID-19 booster shot recommendations, comparing them to product releases and stating, "That's when I knew. I went in my backyard & started building the Arc. Nicki's Arc."
Minaj's social media activity occurred days after Fauci appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. During the hearing, Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination over 100 times and stated in his opening remarks that lawmakers were attempting to imprison him. The hearing followed the release of his personal diary, which detailed his professional relationships, frustrations with political dynamics, and his growing public profile.
One diary entry from May 13, 2020, reportedly describes a positive Instagram discussion with Julia Roberts, whom he called "absolutely fabulous."
Reactions to Minaj's posts on X were divided. Some users commended her, with actor Rob Schneider calling her a "rarity in show business, a real truth teller." Others criticized her commentary, with one user stating, "We studied science. You sang songs. We aren't the same. Stay in [your] lane," and another calling her attack "laughable" and accusing her of spreading "baseless vaccine claims."