Nicki Minaj’s latest legal battle has taken an unexpected turn as her longtime attorney, Judd Burstein, has officially stepped away from representing her in a $10 million defamation lawsuit.
The move has stirred considerable conversation, not only because of Burstein’s longstanding track record of successful defenses on Minaj’s behalf, but because of the abruptness of his departure.
In a statement explaining his decision, Burstein told Us Weekly, “After I won a dismissal of Tameer Peak’s defamation lawsuit against Nicki in New Jersey, I declined the opportunity to represent her when Peak refiled it in New York.”
Rapper Nicki Minaj performs onstage at Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash: Pop Up Edition at Philips Arena on June 17, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Burstein emphasized that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as a judgment on the case itself. He insisted the decision was “unrelated to any concern about the merits of Peak’s claims” and reiterated his belief that the complaint is “entirely frivolous.”
He further maintained that he continues to “have great affection and respect for Nicki,” though his exit has fueled speculation about whether recent public scrutiny and Minaj’s perceived erratic behavior may have influenced the shift.
Peak’s lawsuit—now refiled in New York after being dismissed in New Jersey—centers on remarks Minaj allegedly made during an April 2024 Stationhead broadcast.
Host Nicki Minaj performs onstage during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey.
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According to the complaint, she referred to Peak as “one sandwich short of a picnic” and suggested he “clearly gets a check from the government,” comments he claims subjected him to public humiliation.
Despite Burstein’s past victories for Minaj—including the dismissal of a $20 million suit in 2022 and a 2024 case that led to a gag order—the rapper now finds herself without her key legal defender.
In Burstein’s place, The Northstar Group, owned by Londell McMillan, has stepped in temporarily. According to the firm, Burstein’s departure came without warning.
Entertainment attorney, producer, and publisher L. Londell McMillan attends Billboard Power 100 – Red Carpet at Cecconi’s on February 9, 2017 in West Hollywood, California.
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“That same day, Mr. Burstein abruptly withdrew entirely from his representation of [Minaj and her company], without giving any prior notice,” a representative stated.
The firm added that “[Minaj and her company] intend to appear and defend themselves in this matter, and we are requesting a stay of the proceedings, including all deadlines and further motion practice, so that [Minaj and her company] may have time to find and retain new litigation counsel, have counsel review the case file, confer with their new counsel, and prepare any responsive filings in an orderly manner.”
The Northstar Group has requested a 45-day window for Minaj to secure new representation as she prepares to confront Peak’s renewed allegations in her home state.
Nicki Minaj attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
