What happened to Nicki Minaj? Co-op Live gig postponed after star was arrested in Netherlands

Nicki Minaj’s Co-op Live gig in Manchester has been postponed with the arena full of fans.

The US star was arrested in the Netherlands earlier in the day. The 41-year-old had been detained at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport for allegedly trying to take ‘soft drugs’ out of the country before later being released. Hours of uncertainty about the gig followed but a sold-out crowd were still allowed to enter the venue. The gig was finally called off at just after 9.30pm. It will be rearranged for a later date.

A statement from Live Nation and Co-op Live said: “Nicki Minaj’s scheduled performance at Manchester’s Co-op Live on Saturday May 25 has been postponed. Tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled performance which will be announced ASAP.

“Despite Nicki’s best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonight’s show happen, the events of today have made it impossible. We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused. More information will be available at your point of purchase.”

According to reports it had been hoped Minaj would make the gig with a helicopter on standby to take her from Manchester Airport. She was believed to have been scheduled to be on stage at around 8.30pm but the venue has an 11pm curfew.

It brings more unwanted headlines for Co-op Live who had hoped their issues were behind them. Several problems arose in £365million venue’s first few weeks with Peter Kay’s opening gigs twice postponed before eventually going ahead over the last few days.

The Bee Network issued a statement as the gig was cancelled assuring fans they would do all they could to get fans away from the venue as soon as possible.

“For fans leaving @TheCoopLive, we'll be bringing through trams as quickly as possible and getting you home as soon as we can,” it read. “Metrolink staff will be on hand to help and provide journey advice where needed. “Shuttle buses are available from the Blue Car Park back to the city. Stewards will also be available to direct you to the walking route back to the city centre. Thank you for your patience, on what we know has been a difficult evening.”