Nicki Minaj Acuses Fashion Designer Giuseppe Zanotti Of Racism
By James Dinh
February 3, 2017
Nicki Minaj went awf on Friday (February 3) when she took to Twitter to accuse fashion designer Giuseppe Zanotti of racism in a lengthy Twitter rant and it all started over the name of a shoe.
Let's backtrack for a moment. According to Nicki's string of messages, the hip-hop titan met the fashion designer a few years back and the encounter inspired the creation of a shoe named after her. He went on to create a whole line of sneakers. Unfortunately, Giuseppe never compensated the rapper for using her name and has since stopped responding to calls from her publicist.
"Recently when he gave other artists capsule collections, my agency reached out and was told they’re not taking our call… Just go on google, you’ll see all the different pairs he’s named after me. Lil black girl can inspire u but ain’t worth a collection my nig?"
Unfortunately, Minaj thinks this is more than just bad business, but a case of discrimination. "I got time today," she wrote. "barbz trend this cuz he gon learn today. The racism & disrespect won't b tolerated."
Read all of her tweets on the matter below!
This is wonderful. #GiuseppeZanotti seems to think it's ok to name his sneakers after me but his PR says they won't take our call. Lol.
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
I met #GiuseppeZanotti years ago. At which time, he told me I inspired him to design a sneaker in my honor. Wore them on the cover of Cosmo
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Recently when he gave other artists capsule collections, my agency reached out and was told they're not taking our call. 🤔
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Just go on google, you'll see all the different pairs he's named after me. Lil black girl can inspire u but ain't worth a collection my nig?
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
#RunMeMyCHECK #GiuseppeWhatsGood I got time today. 😊 barbz trend this cuz he gon learn today. The racism & disrespect won't b tolerated.
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Take the poll. Should Giuseppe
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Don't care about the money. It's just the disrespect. You're not taking MY call? Lol. Give some money to charity in my name or smthn. 🙏🏽
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
U know what I gotta go. My phone ringing. Tell Floyd, Fif & Mike Tyson to book me for the next fight. Me and Giuseppe. 😩 after cb & Draco 😂
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Well that's a start. Guess they taking calls now... 😊🎀 https://t.co/wferAGj2h8
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Women are always shamed by other when speaking up in the work place. That's why women cont. to earn less. Jada spoke up & Oscars madeAchange
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Scarlett spoke on her pay vs. her male co-stars & was shamed by other women as well. WakeUp! This is our work place! Just like u have yours!
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
I'd like them to donate to St. Jude's Children's hospital on my behalf. #GiuseppeWhatsGood Giorgina, I don't wanna post your email.
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Just imagine if I walked into your office building & told you not to take a meeting with your boss regarding a deserved pay increase. lol
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
This isn't a sneaker. Zanotti spoke to me on the first sneaker. But 23 pairs of sneakers later & u still don't wanna break bread?!?! 😩🤔yikes
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
#GiuseppeWhatsGood I'll match whatever you give to #StJudesChildrensHospital up to half a million dollars. 😊👑 #23PairsOfSneakersLater yikes
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Photo: Getty Images