BET has issued an apology to Nicki Minaj after the platinum-selling artist pulled out of her headlining set at this summer’s BET Experience.
The self-proclaimed Queen of Rap was offended the network tweeted an article congratulating Cardi B on her history-making Grammy win, while simultaneously sending a shot at Nicki. In a statement, BET claimed the tweet was unauthorized and highlighted its long-running relationship with the Queens-bred rap star.
“BET loves Nicki Minaj,” the statement reads. “We have supported her from the very beginning of her career and will continue to do so moving forward. Nicki has paved the way for so many performers and has solidified her place as one of the most powerful figures in the music industry.
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“Unfortunately the respect we have for Nicki was violated by this post that should never have been written. The post does not reflect how we feel about Nicki. And further does not reflect our company values. We deeply apologize for the hurt, disappointment and confusion that this post has caused. We are committed to doing everything we can to address the situation.”
BET also revealed an internal audit would take place to ensure this type of thing wouldn’t happen in the future.
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“We are also conducting an internal audit to assure these types of posts are not published again,” it continued. “We have apologized to Nicki and her team. The post has been removed and we have taken additional appropriate action.
“We understand Nicki’s position and look forward to continuing our dialogue with her. Finally, we apologize to all of her fans. This should have never happened.”
Nicki hasn’t publicly responded to BET’s apology, but she did thank the Barbz for their support.
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“I can’t thank you guys enough for all the love & support you continue to show me,” she tweeted on Monday (February 11). “To everyone who said something sweet, thank you. Whether I read it or not, I felt it. From the bottom of my heart. I love you so much. So so so soooo much. Stay tuned.”
I can’t thank you guys enough for all the love & support you continue to show me. To everyone who said something sweet, thank you. Whether I read it or not, I felt it. From the bottom of my heart. I love you so much. So so so soooo much. Stay tuned. ♥️?????♥️
— QUEEN (@NICKIMINAJ) February 11, 2019
At this time, it’s unclear if Nicki will reconsider showing up for her BET Experience set this June.
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Nicki, Lil Wayne, Tory Lanez, Trippie Redd and Bri Steves were scheduled to perform on June 21, while Cardi, Migos, Lil Yachty, Lil Baby and City Girls were expected on June 22.
[This article has been updated. The original version was published on February 11, 2019 at 1:17 p.m. PT and can be found below.]
Cardi B took home the gilded trophy for Best Rap Album at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night (February 10). Par for the course, BET ran an article congratulating the platinum-selling rapper on her historical Grammy win and at the same time, managed to bait her nemesis Nicki Minaj.
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Black Barbie took notice of the excerpt, “Meanwhile, Nick Minaj is being dragged by her lacefront” and the Barbz pounced.
Dang @bet still getting dragged by that lace ??♀️ pic.twitter.com/ZoHqMZ7UwW
— QUEEN (@NICKIMINAJ) February 11, 2019
As a result, BET pulled the article, but Nicki ultimately decided to drop out of her headlining performance at the 2019 BET Experience in Los Angeles this summer — and evidently, she’s taking Young Money with her.
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“Young Money will no longer be apart of the BET Experience or award show,” she tweeted on Monday (February 11). “Summer Tour dates dropping soon.”
— QUEEN (@NICKIMINAJ) February 11, 2019
Young Money will no longer be apart of the BET Experience or award show. ♥️??♥️ Summer Tour dates dropping soon ?
— QUEEN (@NICKIMINAJ) February 11, 2019
Nicki and Cardi were originally both expected to perform during the star-studded event on separate days. Nicki, Lil Wayne, Tory Lanez, Trippie Redd and Bri Steves were scheduled to perform on June 21, while Cardi, Migos, Lil Yachty, Lil Baby and City Girls were expected on June 22.
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The two rap superstars have been butting heads for months. Last September, Cardi allegedly threw a shoe at Nicki during a New York Fashion Week event. Since then, they’ve stayed in their separate corners.[apple_news_ad type=”any”]
