Nicki Minaj just added shoe designer Giuseppe Zanotti to her s— list (breathe easy, Miley Cyrus).
On Friday, Feb. 2, Barbz took aim at Zanotti via social media, where she accused him of racism, after claiming that the Italian footwear designer — who she’s desired to work with for quite some time — has been refusing to take her calls, despite recently naming his “Nicki” shoe designs after her.
“This is wonderful. #GiuseppeZanotti seems to think it’s ok to name his sneakers after me but his PR says they won’t take our call. Lol,” she tweeted.
I met #GiuseppeZanotti years ago. At which time, he told me I inspired him to design a sneaker in my honor. Wore them on the cover of Cosmo
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
“Recently when he gave other artists capsule collections, my agency reached out and was told they’re not taking our call. Just go on Google, you’ll see all the different pairs he’s named after me. Lil black girl can inspire u but ain’t worth a collection my n—–?
“RunMeMyCHECK #GiuseppeWhatsGood I got time today,” she added. “Barbz trend this cuz he gon learn today. The racism & disrespect won’t b tolerated.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQDm5BBj6uo/?taken-by=nickiminaj
Indeed, “#GiuseppeWhatsGood” did trend on Twitter just moments after she ranted. As you may recall, the “Anaconda” recording artist famously beefed with Cyrus using similar verbiage while accepting an award on stage, at the 2015 MTV VMAs — referencing negative comments the pop star host made in prior New York Times interview.
“Don’t care about the money,” Minaj continued via Twitter. “It’s just the disrespect. You’re not taking MY call? Lol. Give some money to charity in my name or smthn.” She then proposed that the shoe slayer match her profits.
#GiuseppeWhatsGood I’ll match whatever you give to #StJudesChildrensHospital up to half a million dollars. ?? #23PairsOfSneakersLater yikes
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Of course, it doesn’t help Zanotti’s case that he’s been very vocal about his musical influences, including Minaj. “I love a lot of celebrities, especially from the music world: Beyoncé, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Alicia Keys and Kanye West. They are style icons and have great talent. Their music entwines with art and entertainment, so they can be inspirational for a designer,” he said in a 2015 interview with Footwear News magazine.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQDu6l2DukW/
“U know what I gotta go,” Minaj later tweeted. “My phone ringing. Tell Floyd, Fif & Mike Tyson to book me for the next fight. Me and Giuseppe. after cb & Draco.”
Meanwhile, Zanotti has yet to comment. What are your thoughts?
