Nicki Minaj is facing a lawsuit filed by her former tour manager, Brandon Garrett, who alleges assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress following an incident that occurred during her Pink Friday 2 tour. The incident reportedly took place on April 21, 2024, backstage at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, after Minaj’s concert.
According to the lawsuit, Garrett was called to Minaj’s dressing room by her head of security, Larry Dathan. In the room, which reportedly included several staff members, Minaj became frustrated with staff responsibilities. She allegedly questioned Luke Montgomery, a staff member responsible for various tasks like picking up prescriptions for Minaj. When Montgomery mentioned this task, Minaj became upset and reportedly yelled at Garrett, accusing him of having Montgomery handle prescription pickups.
The lawsuit claims that Minaj’s anger escalated, with her allegedly threatening Garrett, saying that if her husband, Kenneth Petty, were present, he would physically harm him. Garrett states that Minaj then struck him on the right side of the face, causing his head to jerk back and his hat to fall off. He also claims she hit his wrist, causing pain. Garrett locked himself in a bathroom for hours afterward, and later received a text informing him he was no longer needed for the next tour stop.
Garrett has since filed a police report in Detroit and is seeking punitive and general damages. Minaj’s lawyer, Judd Burstein, has denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit “false and frivolous” and expressing confidence that the matter will be resolved in Minaj’s favor.
The case is still in its early stages, with no trial date set as of yet. This lawsuit adds to the ongoing scrutiny Minaj faces, particularly during her highly anticipated Pink Friday 2 tour.
