Nicki Minaj posted bond for her brother when he was accused of first-degree rape. (Nassau County Police Department via AP, File/Michael Stewart/Getty Images)
Jelani Maraj, the brother of rapper Nicki Minaj, is planning to appeal his child rape case following his conviction Thursday. The Associated Press reported a jury found Maraj guilty of predatory sexual assault Nov. 9 following deliberations. But social media is torn up about how media continues to involve Nicki Minaj in the news.
Maraj was accused of repeatedly raping an 11-year-old girl at his home in Baldwin, a Long Island suburb. He faces 25 years to life in prison for what DNA evidence has supported happened to the now 14-year-old girl. She testified in detail about how Maraj would allegedly commit sexual acts up to four times a week and sometimes twice daily. The girl’s brother also testified that he had seen one assault.
A defense lawyer claimed that the girl’s mother created a “shakedown.” David Schwartz said the woman contacted Maraj’s lawyer asking for $25 million so the “charges could just go away,” however, the mother denied she made up the allegations.
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As news of Maraj’s conviction made headlines, social media users began to share their feelings.
Many took issue with Nicki Minaj being attached to the story.
https://twitter.com/dangagb/status/928998376695304192
Yes, he is Nicki Minaj’s brother but she is not on trial. Make HIM, Jelani Maraj own HIS crime. Put HIS name out there not her’s.
— krawlins (@KathyRawlins) November 10, 2017
Others explained why the rapper gets mentioned in Maraj’s story.
https://twitter.com/PrettyB47398185/status/929007702080196610
Journalism 101:a lot of writers are taught to write with prominence thus why Nicki Minaj is “attached” to her brother’s case. Sad, but 🤷🏾♀️
— Lexi✨ (@heyylexilex) November 10, 2017
And others pointed out Minaj initially posted $100,000 bond for her brother after he was accused of first-degree rape and first-degree sexual conduct.
“She was prepared to do anything for her brother,” a source told Page Six in December 2015 of Minaj.
How yall feel about @NICKIMINAJ financially backing her brother’s legal team? He is a convicted child rapist now. Think this the first kid he raped? Typically rapist dont just rape ONE person #IJS
— MissDontPlayErrthangWerkin (@OhGawd13) November 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/hungryspice_/status/928992321143685120
