On Thursday (Nov. 2), Nicki Minaj's mother, Carol Maraj, testified at her son Jelani Maraj's child rape trial where he is accused of raping a then 11-year-old girl up to four times a week for eight months in 2015 at her Long Island home. Jelani was eventually arrested on Dec. 1, 2015.
According to New York Daily News, things got heated when Carol took the stand and began answering questions about the text messages she sent to the victim's mother, Jacqueline Robinson, on the night of her son's arrest. “You guys set up my child,” Carol allegedly said to Robinson. When asked about this message, Carol initially said that she didn't remember sending it. But, she later confirmed that she did.
“A lot of things were going through my head that day,” Carol said. “It was a confusing day.” Carol also spoke about a conversation that she and Robinson had earlier that day, after Jelani's arrest took place. “We had a little conversation,” she continued. ”As we were getting out of the car she said, `It's going to take a lot of money to get out of this one.’”
The Assistant DA Jared Rosenblatt then cross-examined Carol and said that she was only trying to protect her daughter's music empire. He attempted to prove this with another text Carol sent Robinson. It read: “I don't think you should give people details on anything. You don't have to share your business with everyone who calls.”
The mom of the rapper also spoke about Jelani's alcoholism. “I knew he had a drinking problem,” she said. “I can't say if he had a drinking problem during that time period."
If convicted of rape and sexual conduct against a child, Jelani faces up to 15 years to life in prison.
Nicki Minaj may still be called to testify.
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