Don Lemon calls Nicki Minaj a “pick me” in response

Lemon calls for a boycott and makes personal charges in response to Nicki’s remark.

Don Lemon won’t keep quiet.

Lemon responded to Nicki Minaj’s public criticism of him for covering a protest at a church in Minnesota involving an ICE field director pastor on Instagram with a long, combative post that went viral.

In the video, Lemon spoke directly to Nicki, stating that he usually stays silent when people insult him online but felt obliged to do so after receiving what he called a bigoted and insane remark. He said the matter was “out of her depth” and accused Nicki of talking about things she doesn’t comprehend.

Lemon went one step farther and accused the rapper of a number of personal offenses. He questioned Nicki’s citizenship, said she doesn’t care about African Americans, and implied that her deportation would be possible under Donald Trump’s immigration policy. He emphasized that his comments were based on public reporting and made references to her family members, referencing their documented criminal past.

Lemon did not provide evidence in the video, and none of his assertions have been supported by the courts. During an emotional reaction, he presented his remarks as commentary and opinion.

Lemon’s tirade intensified when he labeled Nicki a “pick me” and advised LGBT and Black people to stop buying her songs. He stated at the end of the video that he had decided not to interact with her any more and urged others to follow suit.

Nicki Minaj has not yet responded to Lemon’s Instagram video in public. An already acrimonious dispute that started with protest coverage has escalated into personal and cultural warfare as a result of the back and forth.

The internet is following every step of what began as criticism of media coverage and has developed into a full-fledged celebrity altercation.