Minaz Posts Vaccine Side Effect Cases on Twitter
[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] When famous American rapper Nicki Minaj expressed refusal to get vaccinated after sharing unverified cases of COVID-19 vaccine side effects, the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom stepped in to quell the controversy.
On the 13th (local time), Minaj posted on her social media, "I will not get the vaccine until I feel enough research has been done," and announced she would not attend the 'Met Gala' event on the 13th, where vaccination was mandatory. She also claimed that an acquaintance of her cousin in Trinidad and Tobago said, "After getting the vaccine, he became impotent and his testicles swelled."
Minaj is a famous American rapper who has collaborated with BTS and has over 22.6 million followers on Twitter.
After the controversy, Nicki Minaj posted a poll on her Twitter asking for recommendations on vaccine types. Photo by Nicki Minaj Twitter capture
As Minaj expressed distrust toward the vaccine, the U.S. and U.K. governments, concerned about growing vaccine hesitancy, issued clarifications.
According to an AP report, on the 15th, the White House offered to connect Minaj with medical experts from the administration to address her questions about the vaccine. The White House stated, "As part of an active campaign to prevent widespread misinformation about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, we offer those expressing concerns the opportunity to speak with experts."
Subsequently, Minaj tweeted, "The White House invited me," adding, "Yes, I’m going." However, a White House official explained that she was simply offered a call.
Chris Whitty, the U.K. Chief Medical Officer, targeted Minaj's remarks, saying, "Many rumors are circulating. Some are outright ridiculous, and some are created to instill fear," adding, "This is one of them. It is not true."
Additionally, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), told CNN in an interview, "I do not blame Minaj. However, when spreading baseless information, one should think twice."
Meanwhile, shortly after the controversial remarks, Minaj tweeted asking her followers for vaccine recommendations, saying she would get vaccinated for her tour.
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