Nicki Minaj Too Self-Center In Praise Of The Zendaya Barbie?
Nicki Minaj isn’t one for mincing words or missing opportunities. With her brash, out-spoken style, Minaj doesn’t miss an opportunity to cast shade or promote herself.
But, was that what Nicki was doing on Sunday when she congratulated Zendaya on receiving a special-edition Barbie modeled after Disney actress?
The K.C. Undercover actress’ fans certainly thought so, Design & Trend reported Monday.
The controversy started Saturday, as Zendaya debuted the look-alike doll at the Barbie Rock ‘N Royals Concert Experience in Hollywood, ABC News reported. The doll replicated the 19-year-old’s look at the 2015 Oscars Red Carpet, a look that was criticized by Fashion Police reporter, Giuliana Rancic.
Nicki Minaj – who also had a Barbie crafted in her honor – took to her Instagram account to praise Zendaya for the honor. And that’s where the problem started for Minaj.
https://instagram.com/p/8KDA8sr8XV/?taken-by=nickiminaj
On appearance alone, the best wishes Minaj posted seemed to be genuine, yet the delivery of the message is what has caught the ire of so many irate critics. Nicki posted a picture of her own doll from 2011, and reminded her 34.7 million Instagram followers about her accolades.
“Did u know Barbie made me one a cpl years back? It was such an honor & a HUGE surprise.”
After writing about her past accomplishment, Nicki Minaj turned her attention – and praise – toward Zendaya.
“I love your doll’s hair! I love what it means for other little girls who will identify with it & be empowered. Continue to be proud of yourself girls!!!!!”
In a subsequent post, Minaj tweeted side-by-side photos of the two limited-edition Barbie dolls. “[T]hey should have matching bff Barbie cars with the dreamhouse to match,” Nicki wrote.
Critics of the posts have been swift, focusing on the “Anacoda” singer’s decision to include her previous Barbie in a message congratulating Zendaya on her achievement.
@NICKIMINAJ Petty as usual you are such a faker but that is not a surprise I mean your whole body is just surgery work…
— Ivan Bold (@King_theBest) September 28, 2015
Was Nicki Minaj being self-centered in her praise for Zendaya? Minaj has yet to respond, but Instagram is known for its ability to provide celebrities with a medium for self-promotion. Kim Kardashian has made the most of her body to promote her website, the Inquisitr previously reported.
Even if Nicki wasn’t trying to start a controversy about the Zendaya Barbie, Minaj could have caused a stir for her appearance at the Milan Fashion Week. At the event, Nicki Minaj donned a blonde hairstyle that was reminiscent of what Mattel would produce for Barbie, People reported.
Zendaya was honored with the doll in part to her eloquent response to wearing dreadlocks at the Academy Awards last February. After a Fashion Police report said that Zendaya smelled of “patchouli” and “weed,” Zendaya took to Instagram to reprimand and shame the criticisms as laced with “ignorant slurs,” People reported.
Zendaya praised Mattel – the makers of the famous doll – for choosing her for part of their diversity project, ABC News reported.
“When I was little I couldn’t find a Barbie that looked like me, my…how times have changed. Thank you Barbie for this honor and for allowing me to be apart of your diversification and expansion of the definition of beauty.”
Prior to this, Nicki Minaj had been in the headlines recently for rumors she may be engaged to singer Meek Mill after pictures of her heart-shaped ring popped up last week. Minaj had also been in the news for her Instagram account recently as Minaj posted a photo of herself and The Weeknd, as a possible tease to an upcoming collaboration between the two.
What do you think of congratulatory message Nicki Minaj had for Zendaya and her Barbie? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
[Photos by Michael Loccisano & Kevin Winter/Getty Images]
