Brody's Notes...Minaj Blasts Gay Bullying After Teen’s Suicide

Onika 'Nicki' Maraj  Photo By MTV Networks

By MTV Networks (New York, New York) OCT 1 | Onika Maraj, better known by her stage name of Nicki Maraj, is reaching out to her gay fan base, urging them to face down bullies and insisting suicide is “never the answer.”

The rapper, who has said in past interviews that she is bisexual, was left devastated after learning of four separate incidents in which gay teens had taken their own lives after being bullied for their sexual preferences.

The death of one 18-year-old Tyler Clementi made headlines this week when he jumped off the George Washington Bridge between New York and New Jersey after his roommate allegedly videotaped him having sex with another male and posted the footage online.


Lesbian comedienne Ellen DeGeneres and R&B singer Ciara are among the stars who have already publicly appealed for a stop to the tragedies, and now Minaj has called on her gay fans to stay strong and follow their dreams.
“I would encourage my gay fans to be fighters and to be brave,” she told MTV.com. “People face difficulties, no matter who you are. I faced difficulties with a lot of things. I face opposition every day, but I didn't kill myself and now, thank God, I’m here. So I want my life to be a testimony to my fans and my gay fans.

“I mean I could never imagine what they’re going through. But I know that suicide is never the answer and I know that things always get better… It just takes a little willpower. There’s an answer. There’s always a different way that you can fight people back. And definitely (with) suicide you’re giving up and I don’t promote giving up. I promote fighting and winning…

“So I’m supporting you guys. I love you very, very much and for the people who don’t love you, they need help.”

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