Nicki Minaj’s Lawyer Steps Down During $10M Defamation Battle

Nicki Minaj’s latest legal fight has taken a twist, as her longtime attorney Judd Burstein has formally withdrawn from representing her in a $10 million defamation lawsuit.

Burstein, who has successfully defended Minaj in several high-profile cases, confirmed he stepped away just as plaintiff Tameer Peak refiled his suit in New York after it was previously dismissed in New Jersey.

“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,” Burstein told Us Weekly.

He stressed that his exit should not be seen as a vote of no confidence in Minaj’s case. Burstein described the complaint as “entirely frivolous” and said his decision was “unrelated to any concern about the merits of Peak’s claims,” adding that he still has “great affection and respect for Nicki.”

Peak’s lawsuit stems from comments Minaj allegedly made during an April 2024 Stationhead broadcast, in which she reportedly called him “one sandwich short of a picnic” and implied he “clearly gets a check from the government.” Peak claims those remarks subjected him to public ridicule and damaged his reputation.

Burstein’s departure is notable given his record of legal wins for Minaj, including the dismissal of a $20 million lawsuit in 2022 and a 2024 case that resulted in a gag order. His sudden withdrawal has sparked speculation about internal tensions as Minaj continues to face intense public scrutiny.

In the interim, The Northstar Group, led by prominent entertainment attorney Londell McMillan, has stepped in on a temporary basis. In a filing, the firm noted that Burstein’s withdrawal came “without giving any prior notice.”

The Northstar Group said Minaj and her company “intend to appear and defend themselves in this matter,” but requested a pause in proceedings so the rapper can secure permanent litigation counsel.

“We are requesting a stay of the proceedings, including all deadlines and further motion practice, so that [Minaj and her company] may have time to find and retain new litigation counsel, have counsel review the case file, confer with their new counsel, and prepare any responsive filings in an orderly manner,” the filing stated.

The firm has asked the court for a 45-day window for Minaj to bring new lawyers on board as she prepares to contest Peak’s renewed claims in New York.