Music sensation Nicki Minaj was arrested at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on suspicion of possession of soft drugs just hours before she was scheduled to perform at Co-op Live in Manchester.
The American rapper took to social media to express her frustration, posting messages on the site X, including one stating “they said they found weed.”
Minaj also claimed that her luggage was taken without her consent and that authorities were attempting to prevent her from reaching Manchester. She emphasized that Amsterdam, where she was detained, has legalized marijuana.
Minaj shared footage of what appeared to be an airport official asking her to have her luggage checked, and she expressed suspicion that authorities were intentionally delaying her flight. She later revealed that she was required to make a statement about her security to the police precinct located nearby. Minaj has not posted on X since.
Robert van Kapel, a spokesman for the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, confirmed the arrest, stating, “We can confirm that we have arrested a 41-year-old American woman at Schiphol Airport because of possession of soft drugs.” It remains uncertain whether Minaj’s scheduled performance at Co-op Live has been impacted.
The venue’s X account announced that the general admission and premium doors for Minaj’s show would open later than planned. Following Manchester, Minaj is set to perform in Birmingham, London, Glasgow, and again in Manchester at the Co-op Live arena.
The Co-op Live arena, the UK’s largest indoor entertainment venue, has faced challenges since its opening earlier this month. Various setbacks, cancellations, and postponements plagued its debut, including issues with the ventilation and air conditioning system. Despite these challenges, live music finally commenced at the arena on May 14th with a performance by Manchester rock band Elbow.
