Awkward moment Nicki Minaj makes assassin remark to Erika Kirk at Charlie Kirk event

Nicki Minaj hailed Vice President JD Vance as an 'assassin' while on stage with slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk's widow.

While appearing as a surprise guest at a Turning Point USA event, in Phoenix, Arizona yesterday (December 21), the 43-year-old was invited on by Erika Kirk for a Q&A when she made the haunting slip-up - using the term 'assassin' in a positive light to heap praise on President Donald Trump's right-hand man.

Father-of-two Kirk was assassinated while answering questions at a Turning Point USA event back in September. Two days after the 31-year-old's death, authorities arrested and charged the man accused of his murder - 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, of Utah, with seven counts, including aggravated murder and witness tampering.

Speaking to fans yesterday, Minaj's hiccup began: "Dear young men, you have amazing role models, like our handsome dashing president. And you have amazing role models like the assassin, JD Vance, our vice president - and when I say that..."

The pop star suddenly stops after realizing what she had just said and falls silent for a few seconds before Erika interjects.

"Trust me, there's nothing new under the Sun that I have not heard so you're fine," the 37-year-old widow said. "[Speaking directly to Minaj about what just happened] Yes, we did, I love you; I love you."

As Minaj remained on stage visibly upset by what she had just said, Erika continued: "You have to laugh about it. Truly, I have been called every single thing, and you know what God is so good, you let it roll right off your back - and this is what's so beautiful about this moment, because if the internet wants to clip it, who cares?

Erika Kirk pictured alongside her late husband, Charlie Kirk, and their two kids (Instagram/mrserikakirk)

"I love this woman, she is an amazing woman. She has a soul and a heart for the Lord, and words are words, but I know her heart and it doesn't even matter - and you say what you want to say because I know your heart - and I do not judge that."

Minaj then thanked the widow before continuing what she was saying prior to the slip-up.

Suspected shooter Robinson appeared in court in-person for the first time earlier this month in civilian clothes, as the defense hoped to throw out media access claiming that it may bias jurors.

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