😂 Deon Cole Sparks Reactions After Wild Nicki Minaj Joke During 2026 NAACP Image Awards Opening Monologue

Comedian Deon Cole had the audience crying with laughter — and social media buzzing — after his bold opening monologue at the NAACP Image Awards took several unexpected shots at some of entertainment’s biggest names.

Kicking things off preacher-style, Cole delivered a mock prayer that quickly went left when he mentioned rap superstar Nicki Minaj.

“Lord, we want you to bless our sister Nicki Minaj,” Cole began, before joking that she’s “been going through a lot lately” and hasn’t seemed like herself. The crowd erupted when he followed up with a shocking punchline suggesting that whatever was “in her ass is affecting her brain,” humorously asking God to “take it out.”

Cameras captured celebrities in attendance laughing and reacting as Cole fully committed to the church-inspired comedy bit — a moment that instantly began trending online, with viewers split between calling it hilarious and controversial.

Many believe the joke referenced recent backlash Nicki has faced following her outspoken political opinions and public support of former President Donald Trump, which has sparked heated debate among fans across social media.

Nicki wasn’t the only celebrity caught in Cole’s comedic crossfire. The comedian also tossed jokes toward singer-actress Teyana Taylor and rap mogul 50 Cent, keeping the energy unpredictable throughout the opening segment.

Cole even addressed the Michael B. Joe Dan and Delroy Lindo BAFTA film awards controversy, jokingly warning that any white attendees with Tourette syndrome might want to double their medication — implying that yelling racial slurs during the show wouldn’t end peacefully.

While award show monologues are known for pushing boundaries, Deon Cole’s opening proved once again that comedy and controversy often go hand in hand — especially on one of culture’s biggest nights.