Nicki Minaj Apologizes For Offensive Video, Doesn't 'Condone Nazism'

Nicki Minaj Apologizes For Offensive Nazi Imagery In 'Only' Video
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 09: Nicki Minaj poses in the winners room at the MTV EMA's 2014 after winning the award for Best Hip Hop at The Hydro on November 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Anthony Harvey/Getty Images for MTV)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 09: Nicki Minaj poses in the winners room at the MTV EMA's 2014 after winning the award for Best Hip Hop at The Hydro on November 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Anthony Harvey/Getty Images for MTV)

Nicki Minaj has apologized following backlash over the use of Nazi imagery in her "Only" lyric video.

Minaj took to Twitter on Tuesday to explain:

After its release to Vevo on Saturday, people quickly took to social media to slam the music video for its Nazi-like visual elements, particularly its color scheme and Young Money logo. In the animated video, Minaj plays a dictator who sits on a throne before thousands of uniformed soldiers. You can watch the "Only" lyric video here.

UPDATE: Jeff Osbourne, director of the "Only" lyric video, released a statement on Myspace on Tuesday:

Before I start, be clear that these are my personal views and not the views of Nicki Minaj, Drake, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, or Young Money.

First, I’m not apologizing for my work, nor will I dodge the immediate question. The flags, armbands, and gas mask (and perhaps my use of symmetry?) are all representative of Nazism.

But a majority of the recognizable models/symbols are American: MQ9 Reaper Drone, F22 Raptor, Sidewinder missile, security cameras, M60, SWAT uniform, General’s uniform, the Supreme court, and the Lincoln Memorial. What’s also American is the 1st Amendment, which I’ve unexpectedly succeeded in showing how we willfully squeeze ourselves out of that right every day.

Despite the fact heavy religious and economic themes were glossed over, there’s also Russian T-90 tanks, Belgian FN FAL, German mp5 (not manufactured until 1966), an Italian Ferrari, and a Vatican Pope.

As far as an explanation, I think its actually important to remind younger generations of atrocities that occurred in the past as a way to prevent them from happening in the future. And the most effective way of connecting with people today is through social media and pop culture. So if my work is misinterpreted because it’s not a sappy tearjerker, sorry I’m not sorry. What else is trending?

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