In a striking clash of pop culture nostalgia and modern political divides, the designer of Nicki Minaj's iconic 2011 neon pink fried chicken wing necklace has decided to auction the original, signed piece, citing disgust over the rapper's recent embrace of the MAGA movement.
The accessory first captured global attention in 2011 when Minaj donned the life-sized, vibrant pink fried chicken wing around her neck while performing at the iHeartRadio Music Festival. That era, defined by neon aesthetics and playful absurdity, propelled Onch, a Taiwanese-American immigrant designer, into the spotlight as a pioneer of kitsch fashion.
Fast-forward to 2026, and the once-celebrated item has become a point of contention. Onch confirmed to Page Six his plans to auction the necklace, stating that Minaj's political shift has tainted its legacy. "As an artist of colour, it matters to me how my work is remembered," Onch told the outlet. He described the rapper's associations as a profound disappointment, transforming a symbol of artistic freedom into something he can no longer endorse.
Minaj's pivot gained prominence in December when she fully embraced the MAGA side. This culminated in her appearance alongside President Donald Trump, holding hands on stage at the US Treasury Department's Trump Accounts Summit in Washington, DC, on 28 January 2026.
The auction launched on 24 February with a minimum bid of $30,000 (£23,000). Onch aims to redirect the proceeds toward giving back to the community, severing ties between his brand and Minaj's current persona.
"Redirecting this moment toward giving back allows the design to carry new meaning beyond the current spectacle," Onch explained. By parting with the piece, the designer seeks to ensure his work is not linked to figures he believes are harming the community, marking a deliberate new chapter for his celebrated creations.
