Governor-Hochul clash with Minaj: Social media feud intensifies

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and rapper Nicki Minaj engaged in a public dispute on Wednesday, injecting a pop-culture element into the final days of the state's gubernatorial election.

The conflict began after Minaj, who supports President Donald Trump and Republican candidates, posted a message on social media calling Hochul an 'evil woman.' Minaj argued that the Democratic Party should forfeit Hochul's seat because she would be a major consequence to the party if she won. The rapper further accused Hochul of keeping 'horrible company' and failing to condemn wrongdoing.

During a campaign stop in Albany, Hochul addressed the comments directly. She told Minaj that she should get outside and get offline more often. Hochul also suggested that Minaj stop attending Trump rallies because the experience is 'poisoning your mind.'

Minaj appeared with Trump at a rally in Michigan earlier this week and has urged young voters to 'vote red' in the upcoming election. This stance marks a shift, as Minaj previously endorsed Hochul during the 2018 lieutenant governor race.

The exchange occurs while Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman pursue their final campaign efforts. Recent polling indicates that Hochul maintains a double-digit lead in the race. Hochul campaigned in Albany on Wednesday, while Blakeman conducted a statewide tour designed to energize Republican voters ahead of Election Day.