Nicki Minaj’s latest legal battle has taken an unexpected turn as her longtime attorney, Judd Burstein, has officially stepped away from representing her in a $10 million defamation lawsuit.
The move has stirred considerable conversation, not only because of Burstein’s longstanding track record of successful defenses on Minaj’s behalf, but because of the abruptness of his departure.
In a statement explaining his decision, Burstein told Us Weekly, “After I won a dismissal of Tameer Peak’s defamation lawsuit against Nicki in New Jersey, I declined the opportunity to represent her when Peak refiled it in New York.”
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Nicki Minaj
Rapper Nicki Minaj performs onstage at Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash: Pop Up Edition at Philips Arena on June 17, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. Paras Griffin/WireImage
Burstein emphasized that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as a judgment on the case itself. He insisted the decision was “unrelated to any concern about the merits of Peak’s claims” and reiterated his belief that the complaint is “entirely frivolous.”
He further maintained that he continues to “have great affection and respect for Nicki,” though his exit has fueled speculation about whether recent public scrutiny and Minaj’s perceived erratic behavior may have influenced the shift.
Peak’s lawsuit—now refiled in New York after being dismissed in New Jersey—centers on remarks Minaj allegedly made during an April 2024 Stationhead broadcast.
Nicki Minaj
Host Nicki Minaj performs onstage during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. Theo Wargo/Getty Images for MTV
According to the complaint, she referred to Peak as “one sandwich short of a picnic” and suggested he “clearly gets a check from the government,” comments he claims subjected him to public humiliation.
Despite Burstein’s past victories for Minaj—including the dismissal of a $20 million suit in 2022 and a 2024 case that led to a gag order—the rapper now finds herself without her key legal defender.
In Burstein’s place, The Northstar Group, owned by Londell McMillan, has stepped in temporarily. According to the firm, Burstein’s departure came without warning.
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The move has stirred considerable conversation, not only because of Burstein’s longstanding track record of successful defenses on Minaj’s behalf, but because of the abruptness of his departure.
In a statement explaining his decision, Burstein told Us Weekly, “After I won a dismissal of Tameer Peak’s defamation lawsuit against Nicki in New Jersey, I declined the opportunity to represent her when Peak refiled it in New York.”
Advertisement
Scroll to continue with content
Nicki Minaj
Rapper Nicki Minaj performs onstage at Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash: Pop Up Edition at Philips Arena on June 17, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. Paras Griffin/WireImage
Burstein emphasized that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as a judgment on the case itself. He insisted the decision was “unrelated to any concern about the merits of Peak’s claims” and reiterated his belief that the complaint is “entirely frivolous.”
He further maintained that he continues to “have great affection and respect for Nicki,” though his exit has fueled speculation about whether recent public scrutiny and Minaj’s perceived erratic behavior may have influenced the shift.
Peak’s lawsuit—now refiled in New York after being dismissed in New Jersey—centers on remarks Minaj allegedly made during an April 2024 Stationhead broadcast.
Nicki Minaj
Host Nicki Minaj performs onstage during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. Theo Wargo/Getty Images for MTV
According to the complaint, she referred to Peak as “one sandwich short of a picnic” and suggested he “clearly gets a check from the government,” comments he claims subjected him to public humiliation.
Despite Burstein’s past victories for Minaj—including the dismissal of a $20 million suit in 2022 and a 2024 case that led to a gag order—the rapper now finds herself without her key legal defender.
In Burstein’s place, The Northstar Group, owned by Londell McMillan, has stepped in temporarily. According to the firm, Burstein’s departure came without warning.
Nicki Minaj’s Longtime Lawyer Dumps Her As Client Amid $10M Defamation Lawsuit
Nicki Minaj's longtime lawyer, Judd Burstein, has dropped her as a client after his refusal to represent her in $10M defamation lawsuit.
www.vibe.com
