Nicki Minaj released after arrest at Amsterdam airport

Nicki Minaj’s planned performance at the Co-op Live venue in Manchester has been cancelled following the American rapper’s arrest at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.

Minaj was arrested on suspicion of exporting soft drugs before being fined and allowed to continue her trip, Dutch police said.

The artist was supposed to fly to Manchester for a concert on Saturday evening, but it was cancelled.

Promoter Live Nation said: “Nicki Minaj’s scheduled performance at the Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday 25 May has been postponed.”

“Tickets remain valid for the new performance, which will be announced as soon as possible.

“Despite Nicki’s best efforts to explore every possible option to make tonight’s show possible, today’s events have made that impossible. We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused.”

Fans were informed of the postponement shortly after 9.30pm (BST) – around the time she was due to take the stage and more than two hours after doors opened.

After the announcement, there were some boos in the arena before everyone left the arena.

“I am disappointed because I saw this afternoon that Nicki Minaj was arrested in Amsterdam,” said 23-year-old Kian Young, who travelled from Scunthorpe.

“I’m confused why the Co-op Arena didn’t talk to their fans. Why didn’t they call it off at 5pm?

“Everyone came – my wife is crying. Why don’t you tell us it’s cancelled before you bring us in?”

Olivia Gibson, 21, from Newcastle, said she was now an “ex-fan” and that Minaj was known to be late and should have allowed more time to get there.

“I’m horrified. But in a way I’m not shocked,” she said.

“And it’s not Co-op Live’s fault. It’s Nicki Minaj’s fault. She just let all her fans down.”

Minaj filmed part of her arrest and posted it on social media.

In the video, a police officer can apparently be heard telling Minaj: “You are under arrest.”

The music star posted a series of messages on X, apparently related to the incident.

“They took my luggage without my consent,” she wrote in one. In another, she added: “By the way, this is Amsterdam, where weed is legal,” using a slang term for the drug cannabis.

In the Netherlands, possession, sale or production of drugs is strictly illegal. However, the country has a policy of tolerance towards the sale or possession of small quantities of certain drugs.

The BBC has contacted Minaj’s representative for comment.