UPDATED: 5:25 p.m. ET: BET has released a statement apologizing to Nicki Minaj.
"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," the statement, obtained by Pitchfork, reads. "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."
You can read the full statement below.
BET loves Nicki Minaj. 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. 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.
See original story below.
BET published an article Sunday night highlighting how Cardi B became the first solo woman rapper to win Best Rap Album at the Grammys, although they later took down the post. The reason behind the deletion of the post has to do with Nicki Minaj, who was brought into the conversation for some reason. "Meanwhile, Nikci Minaj is being dragged by her lacefront," BET said in since-deleted posts across social media.
In response, Minaj announced that she and Lil Wayne will no longer play the BET Experience concert in the lead-up to the 2019 BET Awards. "Young Money will no longer be apart of the BET Experience or award show," she revealed. Cardi B, meanwhile, was the other headliner for the event.
In a follow-up tweet, Minaj declared war on BET and the writer of the article, simply posting a number of screenshots of tweets critical of BET's post. She also encouraged fans that bought tickets to the BET Experience to get refunds. She later tweeted screenshots of her fans going after BET on their Instagram, too.
She's also been liking a flood of tweets from fans criticizing BET for their tweet. Nicki and Cardi were announced as headliners for the BET Experience in January, with the show to take place on June 21. Other performers include Tory lanez and Trippie Redd. Cardi, Migos, Lil Yachty, Lil Baby, and City Girls are set to perform on June 22.
Nicki also told a fan on Twitter that her historical lack of recognition from the Grammys came after she “pissed off the same man Ariana just called out for lying.” Grande nixed her plans for a performance and called out producer Ken Ehrlich for lying about the singer's reasoning. Minaj called out “KEN,” saying, “I was bullied into staying quiet for 7 years out of fear. But I’ll tell my fans the REAL on the next episode of #QueenRadio they deserve the truth.”
