Nicki Minaj
American rapper Nicki Minaj canceled her scheduled show in Manchester, England, on Saturday after being detained by police at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on allegations of possessing soft drugs.
The cancellation was announced by the Co-op Live venue in Manchester through a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The venue stated, “Despite Nicki’s best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonight’s show happen, the events of today have made it impossible.”
Minaj, 41, was detained just hours before the concert was set to begin. Dutch military police confirmed that a 41-year-old American woman had been held for possession of soft drugs, emphasizing that it is illegal to transport such substances out of the Netherlands.
Although the police did not name the individual, Minaj later identified herself as the detained party through social media posts. She was fined and released around 19:45 GMT, approximately 45 minutes after her performance was supposed to start at Manchester’s Co-op Live.
In a video shared on X, Minaj documented her interaction with a Schiphol Airport employee who informed her that the police intended to search all her luggage.
Another video captured a police officer accusing her of carrying drugs, which Minaj vehemently denied. She elaborated in a subsequent post, stating, “Now they said they found weed & that another group of ppl have to come here to weigh the pre-rolls.”
The incident occurred following Minaj’s performance at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome on Thursday. She is scheduled to return to the same venue for another show on June 2.
The rapper, who previously served as a judge on “American Idol,” has been touring Europe and engaging with fans through her social media platforms.
Minaj’s detainment and the subsequent cancellation of her Manchester show have sparked significant attention.
Fans expressed disappointment and concern over the situation, while Minaj continued to update her followers about the unfolding events.
The incident underscores the challenges and unexpected obstacles artists may face while on tour, particularly concerning international travel and differing legal regulations.
Despite the setback, Minaj remains focused on her upcoming performances and connecting with her audience.
The events at Schiphol Airport serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to local laws and regulations, especially for international travelers.
As Minaj prepares for her next show, her experience highlights both the complexities of global touring and the resilience required to navigate such challenges.
