Nicki Minaj and Giuseppe Zanotti (Century Black/theselby.com)
Rapper Nicki Minaj has called out Giuseppe Zanotti, alleging he declined to work with her on a shoe collection.
The emcee name dropped the Italian shoe designer in several of her past songs including “Monster” and “Pound The Alarm,” showing her adoration for his brand. On Friday, Feb. 3, Minaj posted a series of tweets saying Zanotti used her name for several footwear titles but declined to discuss a possible collaboration.
This is wonderful. #GiuseppeZanotti seems to think it's ok to name his sneakers after me but his PR says they won't take our call. Lol.
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
I met #GiuseppeZanotti years ago. At which time, he told me I inspired him to design a sneaker in my honor. Wore them on the cover of Cosmo
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Minaj also noted Zanotti has recently created collections with other celebrities, including Zayn Malik and Jennifer Lopez this year.
Recently when he gave other artists capsule collections, my agency reached out and was told they're not taking our call. 🤔
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Just go on google, you'll see all the different pairs he's named after me. Lil black girl can inspire u but ain't worth a collection my nig?
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Minaj alluded to racism as the reason why the fashion veteran hasn’t done a formal, paid collaboration with her. Fans later got #GiuseppeWhatsGood trending worldwide and it became the No. 1 topic in the UK.
Don't care about the money. It's just the disrespect. You're not taking MY call? Lol. Give some money to charity in my name or smthn. 🙏🏽
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
The rapper also took her message to Instagram, posting a screenshot of the various designs named “Nicki” and announcing Zanotti has 24 hours to respond to her request to open up a business discussion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQDm5BBj6uo/?taken-by=nickiminaj&hl=en
Minaj also posted a screenshot of comments on Giuseppe Zanotti Design Instagram page where her fans wrote #GiuseppeWhatsGood throughout.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQDoSnJDx9w/?taken-by=nickiminaj&hl=en
She also joked that she and Zanotti should take on each other in the boxing ring.
U know what I gotta go. My phone ringing. Tell Floyd, Fif & Mike Tyson to book me for the next fight. Me and Giuseppe. 😩 after cb & Draco 😂
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
A fan later revealed Giuseppe Zanotti Design removed all shoes named “Nicki” from their website, which Minaj seemed delighted by.
https://twitter.com/siaanhaydenn/status/827575494526763010
Well that's a start. Guess they taking calls now… 😊🎀 https://t.co/wferAGj2h8
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
