5 Shocking Truths About Nicki Minaj's Marriage To Kenneth Petty: Are They Still Together?
As of late December 2025, the definitive answer to the question "Is Nicki Minaj married?" remains a resounding yes. The global superstar, often dubbed the "Queen of Rap," is still married to her childhood sweetheart, Kenneth Petty, a relationship that has been a constant source of public fascination and intense controversy since they reunited in 2018.
The couple officially tied the knot in October 2019, but their union is far from a typical Hollywood romance, consistently making headlines due to Kenneth Petty’s complex and serious legal history. This article dives into the facts of their marriage, the timeline of their relationship, and the ongoing legal battles that continue to challenge the couple’s public life.
Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty: A Complete Profile
The relationship between Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty (Nicki Minaj) and Kenneth Petty is a decades-long story, beginning in their teenage years in Queens, New York. Their reunion as adults led to a whirlwind romance and a private marriage that shocked many fans and critics alike.
Nicki Minaj (Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty)
- Full Name: Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty (née Maraj)
- Born: December 8, 1982
- Birthplace: Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago
- Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Model
- Key Milestones: Rose to prominence with mixtapes like Beam Me Up Scotty (2009); Released debut album Pink Friday (2010); Known for her alter egos (Roman Zolanski, Harajuku Barbie); First female rapper to have 100 entries on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Child: One son, referred to publicly as "Papa Bear," born in 2020.
Kenneth Petty
- Full Name: Kenneth Petty
- Born: April 1978 (Age 47 as of 2025)
- Occupation: Former music industry figure; currently associated with Nicki Minaj's businesses.
- Key Legal History:
- Convicted of attempted rape in the first degree in 1995. He served four years in a New York state prison and is a registered Level 2 sex offender.
- Convicted of first-degree manslaughter in 2006. He served seven years in prison for this charge.
- Sentenced in 2023 to 120 days of house arrest and three years of probation for failing to register as a sex offender in California after moving with Minaj.
The Relationship Timeline: From High School Sweethearts to Married Life
Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty first met as teenagers in Queens, New York, before Minaj achieved global fame. Their relationship was rekindled in late 2018, leading to a rapid progression that has been a defining feature of Minaj's personal life ever since.
The Whirlwind Courtship and Marriage
The couple went public with their relationship in December 2018, with Minaj frequently defending Petty against public scrutiny over his criminal record. The rapper often referred to him as her "soulmate" and "husband" even before the official ceremony, signaling her commitment.
In mid-2019, Minaj announced that they had obtained a marriage license. The official, low-key wedding ceremony took place in October 2019. Minaj confirmed the news on Instagram, adopting the name Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty. The simplicity of the wedding, which reportedly took place without a large celebration, contrasted sharply with her celebrity status.
The Birth of "Papa Bear"
In July 2020, Nicki Minaj announced her pregnancy with a stunning photoshoot, and the couple welcomed their son, whose name has not been officially revealed, in September 2020. The birth of their child, whom they affectionately call "Papa Bear," cemented their family unit and has been a source of joy that Minaj occasionally shares with her dedicated fanbase, the Barbz.
The Ongoing Legal Turmoil Surrounding Kenneth Petty
The most persistent and controversial aspect of the Petty-Minaj marriage is Kenneth Petty's legal troubles, which have continued to generate headlines and have even entangled the rapper herself. Petty's criminal past, particularly his status as a registered sex offender, requires him to adhere to strict registration laws, which he has repeatedly violated.
The California Registration Case
After moving to California with Minaj, Petty failed to register as a sex offender, leading to federal charges. In 2023, he was sentenced to 120 days of house arrest and three years of supervised probation for this violation. This legal battle has kept the couple under intense public and media scrutiny, forcing them to navigate their family life under the shadow of the legal system.
The Civil Lawsuit
In addition to the registration case, Petty and Minaj have faced a civil lawsuit filed by the alleged victim in Petty's 1994 attempted rape case. The lawsuit alleges harassment and intimidation by the couple in an attempt to silence the victim. While the details of the lawsuit are complex, it highlights the severe legal and personal challenges the couple faces, with some reports suggesting Minaj could face significant financial implications due to the ongoing legal issues.
The State of Nicki Minaj's Marriage in 2025
Despite the persistent rumors of divorce and the overwhelming pressure from public opinion and legal challenges, Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty remain married. The couple celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary in October 2024, demonstrating a fierce loyalty to one another that has defined their relationship since they rekindled their romance.
Minaj has consistently defended her husband, often using her platform to speak out against what she perceives as unfair media scrutiny and to affirm her commitment to him. The depth of their bond, which began in their formative years, appears to be the foundation that allows them to withstand the intense public and legal pressures they face.
For the "Queen of Rap," her marriage to Kenneth Petty is a deeply personal choice, one she has shown no signs of abandoning. While the controversies surrounding Petty's legal past continue to be a major part of their narrative, the couple maintains a united front, focusing on raising their son and supporting Minaj's continued success in the music industry.
Key Entities and LSI Keywords:
Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, Kenneth Petty, Queen of Rap, 2019 wedding, October 2019, high school sweethearts, attempted rape conviction, manslaughter conviction, registered sex offender, Level 2 sex offender, supervised probation, civil lawsuit, house arrest, California registration laws, New York, Queens, Papa Bear, son, Barbz, Pink Friday, Beam Me Up Scotty, Super Bass, relationship timeline, marriage status 2025, legal turmoil, financial implications, divorce rumors.
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