Kathy Hochul tells Nicki Minaj to go offline after social media spat

A sharp exchange between a governor and a superstar has entered the final stretch of the New York gubernatorial race.

The dispute began when Nicki Minaj posted a message on social media criticizing Kathy Hochul. Minaj, a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, called the governor an "evil woman" and argued the Democratic Party should forfeit her seat. The rapper claimed Hochul would be a burden to her party and would face divine consequences for failing to denounce evil in the past.

Hochul responded during a campaign stop in Albany on Wednesday. She suggested Minaj spend more time outside and less time online. The governor also pointed to Minaj's recent appearances at Trump rallies, stating that the events were "poisoning your mind."

The dynamic is complicated by Minaj's past political alignment. The musician previously endorsed Hochul during the 2018 lieutenant governor campaign. Recently, Minaj has urged young voters to "vote red" and appeared with Trump at a rally in Michigan earlier this week.

The back-and-forth adds celebrity attention to a tight contest. Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman are making their final push toward Election Day. Recent polling shows Hochul holding a double-digit lead. While Hochul campaigned in Albany, Blakeman continued a statewide tour aimed at energizing Republican voters.