Nicki Minaj Figure Getting Overhaul From Madam Tussauds

The Guardian reports that Nicki Minaj's wax figure will be the subject of some "rethinking" after photos of guests molesting it appeared online. Multiple shots of both men and women inappropriately engaging with the figure have caused many, including Refinery29, to ask why Minaj's figure was positioned in such a hyper-sexualized, subjective way in the first place. "It is unfortunate that this visitor decided to behave so inappropriately and we apologize for any offense this has caused," Madame Tussauds said in a statement to The Guardian. "We do have staff monitoring guest behavior in the attraction and do our utmost to ensure our wax figures are treated respectfully. But on this occasion, clearly, one of our hosts was not present." The museum says it will be redesigning the display area around Minaj's figure so that it is not in a position for similar photos to be taken in the future. The figure itself will not be redesigned into a standing position or removed from all fours. It's a step forward, but still feels like a missed opportunity to create a more empowering figure to celebrate one of the most powerful women in hip hop and one of the only Black female figures on display in Madame Tussauds. Minaj herself has shared nothing but support for the figure, choosing to ignore photos of men molesting her wax likeness.