NEW YORK (AP) – Malcolm X’s family and estate said Nicki Minaj’s use of a famous photo of the black nationalist with a rifle in his hands and juxtaposing it with a racial slur for her new song’s artwork is disrespectful and offensive.
In an exclusive statement to The Associated Press today, Malcolm X’s daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, said Minaj’s use of the picture “in no way is endorsed by our family”.
“Ms Minaj’s artwork for her single does not depict the truth of Malcolm X’s legacy,” Shabazz’s statement said.
Minaj apologized yesterday. She pulled the artwork after she was criticised 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.
Minaj said the single cover was “never the official artwork”.
Mark Roesler, CEO of CMG Worldwide – which is the business representative for the Malcolm X estate – called Minaj’s use of the photo “dehumanising”.
“This is a family photo that was taken out of context in a totally inaccurate and tasteless way,” said his statement on behalf of the family.
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 today 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.
Minaj posted the artwork Wednesday on her Instagram page and website. The photo shows Malcolm X holding a rifle as he was trying to protect his family from death threats; his home had been firebombed.
“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-singer said later yesterday in an interview with radio station Hot 97 that she wrote the song to empower women because there are too many songs that attack females.
Malcolm X was assassinated 49 years ago this month at age 39.
