The British prime minister has criticised the rapper Nicki Minaj over her stance on coronavirus vaccines.
Chart-topping rapper Minaj revealed she was not vaccinated ahead of the Met Gala, a glamorous event in New York known as fashion’s biggest night, which required attendees to have been jabbed.
She also shared an unsubstantiated story on social media about a man who allegedly became impotent after being vaccinated.
Speaking at the Downing Street press conference, Boris Johnson said: “I’m not as familiar with the works of Nicki Minaj as I probably should be, but I’m familiar with Nikki Kanani, superstar GP of Bexley who has appeared many times before you, who will tell you that vaccines are wonderful and everybody should get them.
“So I prefer to listen to Nikki Kanani.”
UK chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty also dismissed Minaj’s “untrue” claims.
Addressing Minaj’s comments linking the vaccine to impotence, he told the press conference: “There are a number of myths that fly around, some of which are just clearly ridiculous and some of which are clearly designed just to scare.
“That happens to be one of them.”
Prof Whitty said the “great majority” of people want to get vaccinated and added that people who knowingly share vaccine disinformation should be “ashamed”.
Minaj, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago, previously tweeted: “My cousin in Trinidad won’t get the vaccine cuz his friend got it & became impotent.
“His testicles became swollen.
“His friend was weeks away from getting married, now the girl called off the wedding.
“So just pray on it & make sure you’re comfortable with ur decision, not bullied.”
Minaj, who has said she previously caught coronavirus, told fans on Twitter she was still researching vaccines.
“They want you to get vaccinated for the Met. if I get vaccinated it won’t for the Met,” she wrote.
“It’ll be once I feel I’ve done enough research.
“I’m working on that now.
“In the meantime my loves, be safe.
“Wear the mask with 2 strings that grips your head & face.
“Not that loose one.”
