Following MTV's announcement of the nominees for this year's Video Music Awards, Nicki Minaj took to Twitter to express her disappointment.
Minaj received three nominations — Best Female Video and Best Hip-Hop Video for "Anaconda" and Best Collaboration for "Bang Bang" with Jessie J and Ariana Grande — but not the one she wanted.
The rapper felt that "Anaconda" should have been nominated for Video of the Year as it broke the Vevo record for the most views in 24 hours last August. "Anaconda" was instantly an Internet sensation when its single cover went viral and Ellen spoofed the music video on her show.
Initially, Minaj's tweets appeared to be aimed towards Taylor Swift, who received nine nominations including Video of the Year for "Bad Blood" with Kendrick Lamar. In May, "Bad Blood" broke Minaj's Vevo record when it received 20.1 million views in one day.
Minaj tweeted, "If your video celebrates women with very slim bodies, you will be nominated for vid of the year."
If your video celebrates women with very slim bodies, you will be nominated for vid of the year
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) July 21, 2015
"Anaconda" is a song that appreciates women's curves, specifically African American women. Minaj's tweet seemed like it was directed towards Swift, who has a "very slim" body.
"Black women influence pop culture so much but are rarely rewarded for it," the rapper tweeted.
I'm not always confident. Just tired. Black women influence pop culture so much but are rarely rewarded for it. https://t.co/2xOvJzBXJX
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) July 21, 2015
Swift saw Minaj's tweets and reached out to her, saying, "I've done nothing but love & support you. It's unlike you to pit women against each other."
@NICKIMINAJ I've done nothing but love & support you. It's unlike you to pit women against each other. Maybe one of the men took your slot..
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) July 21, 2015
Minaj then clarified that she was not directing her message towards Swift.
Huh? U must not be reading my tweets. Didn't say a word about u. I love u just as much. But u should speak on this. @taylorswift13
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) July 21, 2015
Shortly after, the "Bad Blood" singer invited the rapper to come onstage with her if she wins the Moonman for Video of the Year.
@NICKIMINAJ If I win, please come up with me!! You're invited to any stage I'm ever on.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) July 21, 2015
Image via INFphoto.com
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