Cyndi Lauper has said she does not believe in cancel culture because there will be “no room for discussion” and “you need to listen to people”.
Cancel culture refers to the idea of boycotting something or someone over a perceived wrongdoing.
The singer, 73, previously allowed Nicki Minaj to sample her most famous hit Girls Just Want To Have Fun in a song on her Pink Friday 2 album and also joined her on stage for a performance in 2024.
Lauper, a supporter of the Democratic Party, was asked if she regrets this collaboration in the wake of Minaj expressing support for US President Donald Trump, a member of the Republican Party.
Lauper said: ‘If you want people to listen to you, you need to listen to people’ (Yui Mok/PA)
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Speaking to The Guardian, Lauper said: “No. First of all, I don’t believe in cancellation. And second of all, the fact that she did Girls Just Want to Have Fun musically – it’s a political thing anyway, babes.
“Girls just want to have fun. They’re entitled to a joyful experience in this world. Like it or not, we’re here. We’re not going out in the rice fields any more.
“Yes, rise up and put your foot down, and she did. I don’t know what she’s doing now.
She added: “But I still don’t think you cancel people, because otherwise there’s no room for discussion.”
Minaj joined Mr Trump on stage at an event in January 2026 and said she was his “number one fan”.
Lauper previously took part in The Celebrity Apprentice in 2010, when it was hosted by Mr Trump.
Lauper has released 12 studio albums throughout her career and has sold over 50 million records worldwide (Ian West/PA)
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The True Colours singer said she has learned the importance of breaking bread with people from across the political spectrum.
She explained: “If you want people to listen to you, you need to listen to people.
“If you don’t let people evolve, what are you doing?”
Representatives of Minaj have been contacted for comment.
Lauper has released 12 studio albums throughout her career and has sold over 50 million records worldwide.