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Nicki Minaj, the renowned Trinidadian rapper and singer, has deactivated her Instagram account, which had amassed 230 million followers. The deactivation has sparked widespread reactions among her fans, known as the Barbz, who shared screenshots of the "User not found" error on X, formerly Twitter.
The move comes amid ongoing drama surrounding Minaj's music career and her highly anticipated sixth studio album, initially slated for release on March 27, 2026. This decision has fueled speculation that her Instagram deactivation might be a strategic move related to her music.
Less than a week ago, Minaj cleared the air on any talk of retirement, and teased that her next album promises to be "her best album yet." During a late night X/Twitter Spaces chat on Wednesday, October 15th, Minaj addressed her fans, explaining that when she wants to "slow down" in her career, she will, sharing, "I am the conductor of this train, okay? When I want it to slow down, I slow it down. When I need it to speed up to give everyone a heart attack, I speed it up. But right before everyone thinks they’re about to go 'Poof!,' I press the brakes. Why? Well, I don’t explain myself to c####, but I’ll explain myself to you. Why is because I can."
Minaj also added that her new album is going to be in the "top two" of her career, and reassured fasn, "Just know that I’m very happy with you guys and with the next chapter. Nothing is going to stop that. We are in the best musical place I've ever been in, ever in my life. And just complete musical clarity."
Nicki's deactivation also coincides with her wedding anniversary with husband Kenneth Petty. While the exact reason for the deactivation remains unclear, some fans speculate it could be part of a promotional strategy for a new single. Despite the uncertainty, Minaj's fans remain hopeful for new music, with reports suggesting her album could still release in March 2026.
And Minaj's X/Twitter account is still very active as she has been sharing wedding anniversary posts and more updates.