Nicki Minaj has apologised for using a famous photo of Malcolm X with a rifle in his hands and juxtaposing it with a racial slur for her new song.
Minaj posted the photo on her website and Instagram page on Wednesday, and received criticism for how she used the Malcolm X image. It's for her new song Lookin Ass Nigga.
After she was roundly criticised on social media circles and beyond for what many saw as disrespect to a revered icon, she offered an apology on Thursday on Instagram to the estate of Malcolm X - who was assassinated 49 years ago this month at age 39.
She also said that the song's artwork "is in no way to undermine his efforts and legacy."
"That was never the official artwork nor is this an official single. This is a conversation. Not a single," she wrote.
"I apologise to the Malcolm X estate if the meaning of the photo was misconstrued. ... I have nothing but respect (and) adoration for u."
Still, she sounded exasperated that people were even upset over the issue.
A Change.org petition was issued on Thursday, encouraging the rapper to change the cover artwork.
Minaj's personal representative declined to comment and a rep for her record labels, Republic and Cash Money Records, didn't return emails seeking comment.
A lawyer for Malcolm X's children also didn't immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press.
The picture was deleted from Minaj's Instagram account, but was still on her website on Thursday.
