Nicki Minaj's scepticism of vaccine science and wild claim about a man's genitals has created countless headlines, late night TV show fodder and social media buzz - now the rapper believes she's going to the White House because of it.
The 'Anaconda' hitmaker didn't attend the Met Gala this week due to its COVID-19 regulations, saying she wouldn't get vaccinated until she'd "done enough research", before claiming a vaccine received by her cousin's friend rendered him impotent and nursing swollen testicles, prompting his fiancée to call off their wedding.
Minaj's claims were celebrated by the likes of controversial broadcaster Tucker Carlson, drew comment from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and have been widely condemned and ridiculed by many others.
Now the executive branch of the US Government apparently wants in on the conversation.
"The White House has invited me and I think it's a step in the right direction," Minaj tweeted, along with the hashtag #BallGate.
"Yes, I'm going. I'll be dressed in all pink like Legally Blonde so they know I mean business. I'll ask questions on behalf of the people who have been made fun of for simply being human."
The message was in response to a Twitter user saying Minaj should be invited to speak at the United Nations General Assembly "immediately".
However, a White House spokesperson reportedly told Bloomberg News the rapper was invited to take part in a phone call to answer any vaccine-related questions she had, rather than a physical visit.
"As we have with others, we offered a call with Nicki Minaj and one of our doctors to answer questions she has about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine," the spokesperson told Bloomberg.
Apparently as part of Minaj's research, she conducted a Twitter poll asking which of the COVID-19 vaccines her followers recommend, offering the options Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and 'other'.
The COVID-19 vaccines being administered to billions of people globally are the result of unprecedented innovation amid the devastating coronavirus pandemic, which has thus far killed a recorded 4.7 million people.
Like all widely used vaccines, they have been thoroughly researched by leading scientists.
Anyone in Aotearoa wanting to know more about the vaccines can find information on the Government's COVID-19 website.
