Malcolm X’s Family Condemns Nicki Minaj’s Use of Icon’s Picture
Family of Famous Nationalist and Activist, Malcolm X have spoken out against Nicki Minaj’s use of a famous photo of the icon with a rifle in his hands and juxtaposing it with a racial slur for her new song’s artwork, tagging it “disrespectful and offensive”.
Malcolm X’s daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, said Minaj’s use of the picture is in no way endorsed by the family.
“Ms. Minaj’s artwork for her single does not depict the truth of Malcolm X’s legacy,” Shabazz’s statement said.
Minaj posted the artwork on her Instagram page and website on Wednesday, showing Malcolm X holding a rifle as he was trying to protect his family from death threats after his home had been firebombed.
She then apologized on Thursday, saying the single cover was never the official artwork, and pulling the artwork after she was criticized on social media platforms for using the photo for the cover of her new male-bashing song, “Lookin (Expletive) (Expletive).” The title uses the N-word.
L. Londell McMillan, the attorney for the Malcolm X estate and the black leader’s daughters — and estate administrators — Ilyasah and Malaak Shabazz, said in a statement Friday that those using the famous photo of Malcolm X need to remove it immediately.
“Failure to do so within the next 24 hours shall result in legal action,” said McMillian, who is also the lawyer for Malcolm X’s daughters, Attallah, Qubilah and Gamilah Shabazz. “The initial act and subsequent acts of distribution were improper and ill-advised. Any disparagement, infringement or disrespect of Malcolm X, and his name, image, likeness and proprietary rights will not be tolerated.”
Minaj’s representatives didn’t return emails seeking comment.
“I apologize to the Malcolm X estate if the meaning of the photo was misconstrued. … I have nothing but respect (and) adoration for u,” Minaj said on her Instagram page following the criticism.
The 31-year-old rapper said later on Thursday in an interview that she wrote the song to empower women because there are too many songs that attack females.
“It was almost parallel in my opinion. I looked at it as this is one of the most memorable people in our history, in black history, who voiced his opinion no matter what, and I understand how my intent was overlooked and I definitely didn’t want to offend his family or his legacy.”
Meanwhile, Shabazz said Minaj’s use of her father’s photo is part of a larger problem in today’s culture.
“Situations like the recent portrayal of our father on the album cover for Ms. Minaj’s new single only highlight the fact that we as a society need to take more responsibility for what we’re teaching our children,” her statement said. “It is our family’s hope that the true legacy and context of Malcolm X’s life continues to be shared with people from all walks of life in a positive manner that helps promote the goals and ideals for which Malcolm X so passionately advocated.”
Malcolm X was assassinated 49 years ago this month at age 39.