Nicki Minaj’s scheduled performance at Manchester’s Co-op Live venue was abruptly cancelled following her arrest at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.
Dutch authorities detained Minaj on suspicion of attempting to export soft drugs.
After being fined, she was permitted to continue her travels. The artist was expected to fly to Manchester for a concert on Saturday evening, but the event was called off due to the incident.
Organisers Live Nation said: “Nicki Minaj’s scheduled performance at Manchester’s Co-op Live on Saturday 25th May has been postponed.”
“Tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled performance which will be announced as soon as possible.”
Minaj filmed part of her arrest, posting it to social media.
In the video, a police officer can seemingly be heard telling Minaj: “You are under arrest.”
At Co-op Live on Saturday evening, thousands of fans – many wearing her trademark pink – were in good spirits as they entered the venue, hoping the show would go ahead.
One started a chant of: “Free Nicki Minaj!”
Fans Georgina Warde and Darcy Nicholls, both 18, travelled from Newcastle and had been looking forward to the show since they bought their tickets in December.
“I really hope she comes on,” Ms Nicholls said. “But it’s Nicki so we knew it would be delayed somehow.”
The music star posted a series of messages on X, apparently in relation to the incident.“They took my luggage without consent,” she wrote in one. In another she added: “This is Amsterdam btw [by the way], where weed is legal,” using a colloquial term for the drug cannabis.
It is technically against the law to possess, sell or produce drugs in the Netherlands. But the country operates a policy of toleration towards the sale or possession of small amounts of some drugs.
Travelled from Scotland to see Nicki and it’s just been rescheduled, fuck those Amsterdam ????♀️????♀️ for doing that to her ! #fuckthempigs #nickiminaj pic.twitter.com/iIS9P5p2Zl
— Robyn (@robyn_hugh) May 25, 2024
We haven’t heard officially if Nicki was released but this tweet gives us hope.
The jet that got filled with luggage is now starting engine and flying.
Love u Nicki!#nickisfree #nickiminaj @NICKIMINAJ pic.twitter.com/R4fQahG30P
— Jurvensley ???? | BARB SINCE 09’ (@iamdushiento) May 25, 2024
and
The plane that started its engine. Says it’s going to Paris, BUT is going to the direction of UK.. it might actually be Nicki!
I didn’t see her, but if it was her. Love u mama ???? #nickiisfree #nickiminaj pic.twitter.com/0kJocfxdOe
— Jurvensley ???? | BARB SINCE 09’ (@iamdushiento) May 25, 2024
and
At this point I need to see Nicki’s face. Ion trust none of you weird ass bitches!
‼️WHERE IS SHE‼️#SOLDOUTNICKI #GagCityWORLDTour #NickiMinaj pic.twitter.com/oGv3pC6t80
— The REAL Chun Sunneesweet???????? (@CSunneesweet) May 25, 2024
