Once the MTV VMA nominations dropped, Nicki Minaj wasted no time in expressing her displeasure at what she perceived as a slight against her “Feeling Myself” video. Then Taylor Swift inserted herself into the drama, and a feud was born.
Nicki was quick to point out that she never specifically mentioned Swift during her tirade. Yet it’s hard to blame Swift for getting shade from Nicki, who is a master at throwing shade while saying “no shade.” So Nicki let loose:
I'm so glad u guys get to see how this stuff works. Taylor took her music off spotify and was applauded. We launched Tidal & were dragged.
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) July 21, 2015
The Internet — specifically Twitter — couldn’t be more thrilled to see these two go head to head. Very early on in the battle, Kim Kardashian tweeted and deleted this missive:
But many tweeters didn’t understand why Taylor took Nicki’s tweets personally:
https://twitter.com/ILLCapitano94/status/623636445538971648
I'm confused… All I saw was @NICKIMINAJ making valid points. How did @taylorswift13 even get involved?
— Nicholas Kusnir (@NicholasKThinks) July 21, 2015
Many others supported Nicki’s stance with or without the Taylor feud:
https://twitter.com/Anti_Intellect/status/623649178858745856
BREAKING NEWS: White media dramatically overlooks (artists such as) @NICKIMINAJ … @taylorswift13 takes it personally. How is this 2015?
— Charly Cox (@charlycox1) July 22, 2015
Most of the reactions to the feud itself landed squarely within Team Minaj:
Watch out for the Regina George in sheeps clothing @NICKIMINAJ
— Katy Perry Brasil (@katyperrybr) July 21, 2015
https://twitter.com/lukeoneil47/status/623639586321862656
you're the queen @NICKIMINAJ 🔥
— anka (@secutebelieber) July 21, 2015
https://twitter.com/JannaElizabeth4/status/623639162571345921
https://twitter.com/emmablackery/status/623635361680338944
https://twitter.com/lilNIYA__/status/623639759965982720
Team Taylor did score a few weak points:
https://twitter.com/BenDadfleck/status/623634651140202496
The world suddenly forgot @NICKIMINAJ shaded Iggy once, but society was okay? What a feminist she is
— Eduardo (@DemiSnowTrip) July 22, 2015
Some Twitter users appeared perplexed as to why this feud exists:
Tried to figure out what's up with Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj but typing either name in Twitter is like saying "Bloody Mary" in a mirror.
— jefferson. (@Soulsmithy) July 21, 2015
Others hoped that perhaps this was all just one big misunderstanding.
I think @taylorswift13 and @NICKIMINAJ need talk on the phone. They were friends at one point and this is just a misunderstanding.
— Taylor Swift Songs (@Tayswiftsong) July 22, 2015