Malcolm X Family Calls Nicki Minaj's Use of Leader's Photo 'Dehumanizing'

NEW YORK (AP) — Malcolm X’s family and estate say Nicki Minaj’s use of a famous photo of the black nationalist with a rifle in his hands and juxtaposing it with a racial slur for her new song’s artwork is disrespectful and offensive.

In an exclusive statement to The Associated Press on Friday, Malcolm X’s daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, says Minaj’s use of the picture “in no way is endorsed by our family.”

Minaj apologized Thursday for using the photo. She pulled the artwork after she was criticized on many social media platforms. Her new song’s title includes the N-word.

Mark Roesler, CEO of CMG Worldwide, which represents the Malcolm X estate, calls Minaj’s use of the photo “dehumanizing,” ”inaccurate” and “tasteless.”