Nicki Minaj’s Hidden Hills home targeted again in fake emergency call—third swatting in two years

Nicki Minaj’s $20 million Hidden Hills mansion has been hit by a swatting hoax for the third time, as prank callers continue to target the music superstar’s private residence with fake emergency reports. The latest incident occurred on Wednesday night, triggering a full police response to the property in the exclusive San Fernando Valley enclave.

According to the LA Times, the caller falsely claimed that a “friend” had committed an assault with a deadly weapon, allegedly shooting a Black adult inside the home. They also told authorities there were two other suspects nearby, dressed in black, creating the illusion of a chaotic, dangerous situation.

Deputies from the LA County Sheriff’s Department raced to the location, only to find the estate completely unoccupied. TMZ later confirmed that Minaj, 42, wasn’t even in California at the time. She was out of state during the entire incident, underscoring the baseless nature of the alarm.

This is the third swatting attempt involving Minaj’s residence. In 2023, the rapper endured back-to-back hoax calls. The first, in June, falsely reported child abuse taking place at the home. A month later, another fraudulent report alleged that someone had been shot on the property. In both cases, law enforcement was dispatched, wasting vital resources and adding to growing concerns about celebrity swatting in Los Angeles.

Minaj, who has 12 Grammy nominations and a massive global following, purchased the luxurious Hidden Hills property for $19.5 million in late 2022. Since moving in, the home has repeatedly drawn unwanted attention, both from paparazzi and now serial hoaxers determined to weaponise emergency services.

Swatting—a criminal act where false emergency calls are made to provoke an armed response—is increasingly being used to target celebrities, influencers, and public figures. Not only does it endanger innocent people, but it also diverts police from actual emergencies. While no arrests have been made in Minaj’s case, LAPD and the LA County Sheriff’s Department have pledged to investigate and pursue those responsible.

The harassment comes at a difficult time for Minaj, who is currently embroiled in a high-profile legal battle with her former manager. Brandon Garrett has filed a civil lawsuit accusing the rapper of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He alleges that Minaj struck him in the face and wrist following a concert at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena in April 2024.

Despite her legal troubles and swatting woes, Minaj remains focused on her music and business ventures. She recently wrapped a series of live performances and is rumoured to be working on new material for a future release. Her fans—known as the Barbz—have rallied around her on social media, condemning the repeated hoaxes and expressing concern for her safety.

Legal experts note that swatting incidents are not only dangerous but often extremely difficult to prosecute. Many of the perpetrators use untraceable or spoofed numbers, leaving authorities with limited leads. However, high-profile cases like Minaj’s could push lawmakers to introduce harsher penalties and better tracking technologies to combat the crime.

As the investigation continues, Minaj’s team has made no public statement about the most recent incident. Meanwhile, security remains tight around her Hidden Hills mansion, where staff and neighbours have been advised to report any suspicious activity.

With her name back in headlines for all the wrong reasons, Minaj now faces the double pressure of defending herself in court while ensuring her family’s safety at home.