Opposition MP Amery Browne is seeking to have Government MP Anil Roberts investigated by Parliament's Privileges Committee for allegedly misleading the House when Roberts defended a Nicki Minaj concert last week. Last week, Browne had called on Roberts to speak about use of obscene language at the concert. Roberts denied there was any use of such language. Yesterday, however, in the House, Browne quoted from Minaj's tune "Monster" to illustrate his point, noting the song's expletives, which he deleted.
Browne said: "Mr Speaker, Nicki Minaj said the following words on stage during the concert performance of 'Monster'" Browne then quoted Minaj's lyrics: "Ok, first things first, I'll eat your brains, then I'mma start rocking gold teeth and fangs, Cause that's what a M.....F...ing monster do, Hairdresser from Milan, that what monster do." Browne said the words were not censored in the concert when the phrase and additional obscenities were repeated at multiple points during the performance by both Minaj and the crowd which included young children in a stageside zone.
Browne said he had unedited footage of the concert which was broadcast on YouTube. He said he also had a transcript of the concert made. He therefore contended that Roberts' statement was not true and Roberts "knew full well" (sic) that it was not. He said Roberts was present at the concert and would have witnessed firsthand what the footage revealed. The PNM MP noted that the deliberate or wilful making of untrue statements in the House by an MP was a serious contempt of the House. House Speaker Wade Mark said he would reserve ruling on the request.