Mike Epps Issues Apology to Nicki Minaj After Graphic Trump Jokes Go Viral
Comedian Mike Epps is dubbing himself “Mr. Accountability” following a wave of backlash from a recent comedy set. The veteran comic took to Instagram to issue a public apology to Nicki Minaj after videos surfaced of him making graphic jokes regarding the rapper and her recent political alliances.
The controversy stems from a recent stand-up performance where Epps took aim at Minaj’s public support and recent interactions with Donald Trump. In the viral clip, Epps didn’t mince words, suggesting that the rapper’s alliance with the President was more than just political.
“Nicki Minaj getting a train ran on her by Donald Trump and them,” Epps said during the set. The jokes didn’t stop there. When a fan in the crowd, presumably a member of the Barbz, voiced their disapproval, Epps immediately shut them down, shouting, “Shut up, b*tch, f*ck you and Nicki Minaj.”
The clips circulated quickly on social media, prompting Epps to address the situation head-on. In a video posted to his Instagram, Epps walked back the comments, attributing the outburst to the nature of comedy and perhaps having one too many drinks on stage.
“What’s up, y’all? It’s your man, Mike Epps. Y’all know I’m Mr. Accountability,” Epps began in the video. “You know. I say stuff and do stuff and then I go to bed. Wake up the next morning. And, you know, [thought] on it, thought about it. Just want to apologize to you, Nicki Minaj, for saying the stuff that I said.”
Epps extended the olive branch to Minaj’s family as well, acknowledging that his material crossed a line. “Want to apologize to your husband, your kids, all of that, for saying what I said,” he continued.
He went on to explain his mindset during the show, admitting that his filter often disappears when he is in his element. “You know, I’m a comedian. Sometimes I get on that stage, you know, I have a little drink. And I go, ‘Wow, you know what I mean?’ I’m non-filtered, so. Just want to apologize to you.”
While many comedians often double down when facing scrutiny for their material, Epps took a different route, claiming that owning up to his mistakes is part of his brand.
“Not explaining myself, but… I am Mr. Accountability,” Epps concluded. “I love apologizing, something a lot of people don’t know how to do. Apologize to you, Nicki.”
