Erika Kirk, the bereaved widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, transformed an awkward moment into a heartwarming display of compassion when rapper Nicki Minaj accidentally referred to Vice President JD Vance as an “assassin” during a speech. The incident occurred at the Turning Point USA festival, where Minaj was praising conservative leaders, including Vance and President Donald Trump.
Nicki Minaj Awkward Moment
As Minaj realized her mistake, she paused, looking embarrassed, and the audience erupted in laughter. Erika Kirk quickly came to her rescue, offering words of comfort and reassurance. “Trust me, there’s nothing new under the sun that I have not heard, so you’re fine… I love you. You have to laugh about it truly,” Kirk said, showcasing her remarkable poise and empathy.
Minaj had been speaking about the importance of role models, mentioning Trump and Vance, when she made the unfortunate slip-up. “Dear young men, you have amazing role models like our handsome, dashing president, and you have amazing role models like the assassin, JD Vance, our vice president,” she said, covering her mouth in embarrassment.

Kirk’s response not only put Minaj at ease but also highlighted her strength and resilience in the face of tragedy. Her husband, Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot in September during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.
The incident has sparked a mix of reactions on social media, with some praising Kirk’s kindness and others criticizing Minaj’s choice of words. Meanwhile, an old video of Charlie Kirk criticizing Minaj’s music has resurfaced, adding another layer to the story.
Minaj later thanked Kirk and continued her speech, receiving applause from the audience. The White House even posted a video clip of Minaj praising Trump, which she reposted with a heartfelt message.
Kirk’s gracious response has earned her widespread admiration, demonstrating that kindness and compassion can triumph over awkward moments.