Chelsea Handler drew mixed reactions for a joke aimed at pop star Nicki Minaj during Sunday’s Critics Choice Awards.
The 50-year-old comedian, who hosted the A-list event, targeted the rapper while commenting on the hit film Sinners:
“Sinners was a massive blockbuster! Although I haven’t been invited into a Black person’s house since, except Nicki Minaj’s, but who wants to go over there?”
The joke quickly ignited reactions on X, with some accusing Handler of racial insensitivity and recalling her controversial past, which includes allegations of sexual harassment and previous racially charged remarks.
- @blue34894 writes: “This is @chelseahandler, an unknown flopstar being racist and using @NICKIMINAJ for clout.”
- @CarmellaBigBarb tweeted: “Meanwhile, she was forced by Netflix to undergo sexual harassment and racial sensitivity training after groping a Black woman and making racially insensitive comments.”
At the same time, some fans embraced Handler’s joke:
- With @ragingmotelfire tweeting: “Chelsea Handler, come get your baddie chain.”
- @MILEYISHEATED tweeted: “Me liking and retweeting every video of Chelsea Handler shading Nicki Minaj tonight.”
The remarks come weeks after Minaj made headlines at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Arizona.
Her appearance at the event, where she was interviewed onstage by Charlie Kirk’s widow – Erica Kirk, drew widespread criticism, particularly from members of the Black community. During the interview, Minaj voiced support for President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The 43-year-old rapper even read her tweet exchanges aloud of her criticizing Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom. Following the backlash, the “Super Bass” rapper deactivated her Instagram account.
