New videos from FIFA World Cup festivities show Nicki Minaj smiling with her five-year-old son, Papa Bear, and husband Kenneth Petty—moments that have sparked fresh praise, discussion about her son’s speech, and renewed backlash tied to her continued support f
Nicki Minaj’s family made a rare public appearance at the FIFA World Cup—and the clips are already igniting the kind of online buzz only Nicki can reliably stir.
The videos circulating show Minaj smiling as she shares glimpses of her son, Papa Bear, and her husband, Kenneth Petty, appearing side-by-side during the opening festivities. The family reportedly appeared to be in Los Angeles, their reported home base, for the big event.
In one video. Minaj and Papa Bear are seated in the stands as she pans the camera across the soccer field. She’s dressed in a casual. neutral-colored tracksuit. while her five-year-old wears a bright yellow outfit and a black. fitted hat. In the footage, Papa Bear’s long hair appears to be cut low or tucked fully into the hat. Kenneth also shows up in the shot, standing several steps away from Minaj and their son.
A second video, seemingly filmed by Kenneth Petty, captures Minaj and Papa Bear posing in front of a painted wall inside the stadium. After encouragement from his parents, Papa Bear—a five-year-old who many online viewers have debated in the past—loudly says, “Hi guys” without looking at the camera.
For many fans, it’s the kind of mom-and-son moment they rarely get. For others, it’s fuel for arguments that never really stay confined to one topic.
Within about four hours of the footage landing in The Shade Room’s comment section, more than 4,000 comments poured in. Many of Minaj’s supporters—“Barbz”—showed love. reacting to Papa Bear’s growth and what they saw as him speaking clearly. Some users also referenced past viral “nonverbal” speculation.
“@deebancos” wrote, “And Who’s non verbal ? 💙 Hurd that papa bear.” “@meganrene_x3” added, “Say what you want about Nicki but sis looks tf good.” “@almostperfect312” said, “He can still be nonverbal with a few words but I don’t talk about ppl kids.”
Not all comments were focused only on the video itself. One user. “@11r1982_. ” wrote. “This 5’2 lady will simply make the internet’s blood boil for just spending time with her family 😭 you gotta love her 👏.” “@perfectmyesha” brought up her own experience. writing: “My daughter is ‘non verbal’ but she just turned 9 today and by the grace of God and My hard work she has been saying words!. If I tell her to say ‘Hi Guys’ she can ❤️ this is beautiful to me. Kids are INNOCENT.”.
Others leaned into the political divide around Minaj. “@ashley.brionne” commented. “Let’s not forget she supports Trump. ” while “@zan_hollister” wrote. “Lol she basically letting y’all know …. He talks lol.” “@_eatpraytravel” added, “She is still with Kenny and papa bear can infact talk. You’re welcome.”.
There were also posts reacting to Papa Bear’s size and resemblance. “@meritaapplehead” wrote, “I didn’t realize her baby was this big already. Seems like he was just stroller age yesterday. Whew. Time is flying!” “@ynw_baddie305” said. “Awe Papa Bear 🐻 ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Beautiful Baby Boy 🥹❤️. ” while “@cocolateluv” added. “He looks exactly like his dad lol ❤️.”.
Some commenters also pointed out details they noticed in the clips. “@bg1k4ll” wrote, “OMGGGGGG🥹😍😍😍😍 HES SO BIGGGGGG!. AND SHE CUT HIS HAIR OMGGG😭😭.” “@ashleytm23” said. “[Nicki] and her son look good I hope mom life is treating her well. ” and “@grate4l23” pushed back sharply. writing. “Don’t use the baby to get in our good graces Ms Sellout.”.
All of that reaction lands on top of the political backdrop that has kept Minaj in the headlines for months.
The rare family footage comes after Minaj faced heavy coverage for her continued support for President Donald Trump. She has been openly supporting Trump since attending AmericaFest in late 2025. where she said she has “utmost respect and admiration” for the president. Minaj told supporters. “I don’t know if he even knows this but he’s given so many people hope that there’s a chance to beat the bad guys. and to win and to do it with your head held high and your integrity intact.”.
In January, Minaj doubled down again. She pulled up to Washington D.C. and spoke at a this Account Summit. describing herself as his “number one fan” and denying she’s bothered by backlash. In her remarks. Minaj said. “We’re not going to let them get away with bullying him and. you know. the smear campaigns — it’s not going to work… He has a lot of force behind him and God is protecting him.”.
Even as the FIFA World Cup videos spread. that political history is never far from the comment sections—and it shapes how people read what looks. at first glance. like something simple: Minaj outside with the people closest to her. smiling in public as Papa Bear joins her in the stands and says. “Hi guys.”.
Nicki Minaj Papa Bear Kenneth Petty FIFA World Cup The Shade Room Barbz Donald Trump AmericaFest Washington D.C. social media reactions
That kid is adorable, why are grown ppl even arguing about him? Like let him be.
I saw one clip and everybody was like “he’s finally talking” but then it’s just “hi guys” lol. Still cute tho. Also Nicki really stays in drama even when she’s just at a soccer thing.
Wait… so he said “hi guys” and that’s the proof people want? I’m not trying to be mean but speech stuff isn’t a before/after based on one stadium video. The Kenneth Petty backlash is gonna keep coming regardless, so I don’t even know why everyone’s pretending this is the main point.
Why does everyone keep zooming in on the kid’s hair like that’s the real story. I thought this was about the FIFA opening festivities, not Nicki’s whole life. And isn’t Kenneth like… always in the video? Maybe he’s filming because Nicki can’t? Idk, the internet does too much.