“This tracks” - Netizens react as Nessa Diab claims Jay-Z is using “similar smear tactics” on Nicki Minaj as he did with Colin Kaepernick

On July 16, 2025, Nessa Diab, a media personality and Colin Kaepernick's longtime partner, posted a series of tweets. She responded to Nicki Minaj's ongoing clash with Roc Nation. Diab's posts drew comparisons between Minaj's experience and the backlash Kaepernick faced following his protest against racial injustice. In her public statements, Diab mentioned what she called "smear campaign tactics."

Diab claimed Roc Nation and its CEO, Desiree Perez, used these methods. She said similar actions targeted Kaepernick after he chose to kneel during the national anthem in 2016. This move sparked a nationwide debate and played a role in his absence from the NFL since then.

Nessa Diab, longtime partner of Colin Kaepernick, claims Jay-Z, Roc Nation, and Desiree Perez are allegedly using “similar smear tactics” on Nicki Minaj that were once used against her boyfriend.

According to Diab, Roc Nation allegedly accepted $5 million annually over several… pic.twitter.com/bHwTxpwNIQ

— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) July 17, 2025

In her tweets, Nessa Diab talked about how people dealt with the protest in public and private. She pointed out times when, she claims, some tried to shift attention from the protest's main point. Diab mentioned that Roc Nation seemed to back Kaepernick at first, but its later deal with the NFL went against this support. She felt this team-up weakened what the original protest aimed to do.

Nessa Diab talked about financial matters, saying:

“Roc Nation apparently took $5 million a year over 5 years to bury the growing protest, AND specifically help them “move beyond the controversy around teams' unwillingness to sign Kaepernick.”

She also mentioned Desiree Perez's legal past and the 2021 pardon she received from President Donald Trump. Diab said Perez had talked about shifting the focus from protest to performance and pointed to connections linking NFL leaders to political figures. Nessa Diab shared these comments to highlight how protest movements could be reshaped or softened by business interests.

Diab ended her posts by making it clear she still avoids watching NFL games or anything tied to them. She used the hashtag #stillwithkap, which many have used to show they stand with Kaepernick since he left professional football.

Internet reacts as Nessa Diab alleges Jay-Z used “similar smear tactics” on Nicki Minaj and Colin Kaepernick

People have shared Nessa Diab's comments after the growing focus on Nicki Minaj’s conflict with Roc Nation.

"This tracks," an X user reacted to the news.

Social media users reacted strongly to Nessa Diab's claims, with many defending Nicki Minaj and calling for legal accountability.

"Everybody just needs to go the legal route fr the court of law >>>> the court of public opinion," another user wrote.

"Now y’all are starting to understand why Nicki is doing this?? It’s not just her that was affected by this. She’s helping others speak out," one wrote.

"The predator told y’all to stop protesting so that he can line his pockets while throwing Colin and black people under the bus," another reacted.

"These claims remind us how important it is to stay informed and demand transparency while supporting voices fighting for justice," one commented.

"Nicki never lies. Trust me," a fan wrote.

Opinions on social media have been mixed, but Nessa Diab's posts have sparked fresh talks about athlete protests, corporate roles, and how the media shapes public views on activism.