D.L. Hughley has once again directed sharp criticism at Nicki Minaj following her recent political appearance, making it clear that he is far from finished addressing what he sees as contradictions in her public stance.

The comedian and actor reacted to Minaj’s surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, where she joined conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, on stage on December 21. A clip of Hughley’s response began circulating online on December 25, quickly gaining traction across social media platforms.

In the video, Hughley played footage of Minaj expressing that she has the “utmost respect and admiration for our president.” He then contrasted her remarks with older clips of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, criticizing Minaj and questioning her influence. In one clip, Kirk stated that he did not believe Minaj was “a good role model for 18-year-old Black girls.” Hughley also included footage of Kirk outlining his hardline stance on immigration, saying, “It’s not our job to open up our borders to every sad story around the planet.” The statement stood out given that Minaj immigrated to the United States from Trinidad and Tobago as a child.

Hughley used these clips to highlight what he described as hypocrisy on both sides. “Nicki Minaj is virtually everything that the man who started that movement was against,” Hughley said. “Yet she finds herself as a keynote speaker at the very movement he founded.” According to Hughley, this reflects a broader pattern within MAGA politics, where ideological principles are often set aside when celebrity or influence is involved.

He went on to argue that the relationship between political movements and high-profile entertainers has become transactional. Echoing recent remarks made by Lizzo, Hughley suggested that political loyalty within MAGA circles appears conditional and inconsistent. “They call themselves patriots, they call themselves Christians,” he said, “but they seem to hate everything except racists, pedophiles, and sellouts.”

Hughley further criticized what he views as misplaced priorities within conservative outrage culture. He expressed disbelief that transgender people often receive more hostility than convicted sex offenders. He then referenced Minaj’s personal connections, stating that her brother and husband’s criminal histories do not appear to be disqualifying factors within the political spaces she now occupies.

The facts Hughley cited are publicly documented. Minaj’s husband, Kenneth “Zoo” Petty, is a registered sex offender after being convicted of first-degree rape in New York in 1995 and serving four years in prison. In 2020, Minaj’s brother, Jelani Maraj, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for child rape. Hughley argued that these realities make Minaj’s alignment with certain political narratives particularly troubling.

Earlier in the month, Hughley also criticized Minaj for tweets targeting California Governor Gavin Newsom and his support for transgender youth. Newsom has publicly stated his commitment to protecting trans kids and supporting LGBTQ legislation, noting that no governor has signed more pro-trans bills than he has. Minaj responded by mocking his remarks and asserting that adults should prioritize “healthy, safe, happy kids.”

Hughley fired back sharply, saying Minaj should refrain from commenting on children altogether due to her husband’s legal restrictions. The exchange further intensified an ongoing public feud that blends celebrity culture, politics, and social issues.

During her AmericaFest appearance, Minaj continued her criticism of Newsom while offering advice to struggling children, telling girls to be proud of their appearance and repeating the phrase “boys will be boys.” Her comments have since sparked debate online, with critics arguing that her rhetoric oversimplifies complex issues surrounding gender, identity, and child welfare.

As the backlash continues, Hughley’s commentary underscores the growing tension between entertainment figures and political movements, and raises questions about accountability, consistency, and the influence of celebrity within ideological spaces.