A recent candid interview with Beyoncé’s longtime makeup artist, Sir John, has made waves in the entertainment world, not because he was commenting on Beyoncé’s look, but because he openly explained why he refuses to work with Nicki Minaj. Known for crafting flawless faces for some of the biggest names in music, Sir John didn’t hold back when detailing why he has repeatedly turned down opportunities with the rapper.
Sir John, whose real name is Sir John Barnett, is a celebrated makeup artist and creative executive who’s worked extensively with Beyoncé throughout her career. He’s known for his role in shaping Beyoncé’s iconic looks and has built a reputation as one of the most respected professionals in beauty and fashion. His name carries weight in the industry, so when he speaks about working with artists, people listen, especially when it’s about someone as high-profile as Nicki Minaj.
Sir John Opens Up About Nicki Minaj
In a revealing segment of the Naked Beauty Podcast, Sir John explained why he has consistently refused to work with Nicki Minaj, despite her status as one of rap’s most influential figures. According to Sir John, the decision isn’t about talent or popularity; it’s about experience and respect. He made it clear that he has seen behavior from Minaj behind the scenes that he considers disrespectful toward makeup artists, stylists, and other professionals who work tirelessly to support her creative vision.
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(@nakedbeautyplanet)One anecdote he shared was particularly striking: Sir John alleged that, in one instance, Nicki Minaj became displeased with a lip gloss shade and wiped it off on a person’s clothing. That story was notable enough that Sir John repeated it more than once, and he refused invitations to work with her even when encouraged by other industry figures.
He also mentioned legendary director Hype Williams, who once asked him if he would do makeup for Minaj. Sir John’s answer was an emphatic “no,” emphasizing that no amount of prestige or money would convince him to take on the job.
Who Is Sir John?
Sir John Barnett isn’t just any makeup artist. He’s a Creative Director for L’Oreal Paris USA and Chief Creative Officer of CTZN Cosmetics, and he’s won multiple awards for his work in beauty and fashion. He’s built a career on both technical expertise and professionalism, something that makes his comments about any artist worth paying attention to.
He’s worked with Beyoncé for years, helping create many of her most iconic looks on red carpets, in music videos, and on stage. Sir John’s resume also includes working with other top talent, so his refusal to work with one particular artist is unusual in a field where most makeup artists are happy to do highly paid gigs.
This isn’t the first time his reputation has caused a stir. Over the years, Sir John has been quoted on everything, including beauty trends and cultural shifts in the industry. But this is one of the first times he’s spoken at length about why he personally won’t work with a major star like Nicki Minaj.
What Sir John Said And Didn’t Say
Sir John’s comments were more about professional experience than personal animosity. He didn’t attack Nicki’s talent, music, or legacy; instead, he focused on behavior he finds unacceptable in a creative setting.
He emphasized that in his view, Minaj has “abused” people in professional spaces, including stylists and makeup artists, to the point that he is not willing to be part of that environment personally. Sir John used the word “abuse” repeatedly, suggesting a pattern rather than an isolated incident, and framed it as a matter of respect for people who work hard behind the scenes. According to him, it’s not about ego; it’s about boundaries and how creative professionals treat those around them.
Importantly, Sir John did not go on a broader rant about Minaj’s music or personality. His focus stayed on behind-the-scenes behavior, and on why he, personally, chooses to avoid working with her.
Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé’s relationship has been the topic of conversation. Years ago, Nicki spoke highly of working with Beyoncé on tracks like “Flawless (Remix)” and said Beyoncé was “the ultimate work wife,” describing those collaborations in positive terms. Those earlier comments painted a picture of mutual respect and admiration that delighted fans at the time.
But recent years have seen rumors and narratives swirl online suggesting tension between the two camps, often fueled by fans rather than direct statements from the artists themselves. One older rumor claimed Minaj shaded Beyoncé indirectly on social media, though Minaj denied that interpretation and said it was not about Beyoncé at all.
Meanwhile, Beyoncé’s family, specifically her mother Tina Knowles, has made social posts that some critics interpreted as indirect responses to social media drama involving Nicki Minaj, though Tina denied the shading was aimed at Minaj.
So even as Sir John’s comments stand apart from those broader narratives, they arrive in a cultural moment where comparisons between artists and behind-the-scenes interactions are being discussed more than ever.
Why This Matters
Celebrities and makeup artists exist in a symbiotic world. Artists rely on experts like Sir John to help craft their public image, and makeup artists rely on artists’ platforms to showcase their work. A makeup artist of Sir John’s stature publicly saying he won’t work with an artist like Nicki Minaj is unusual, and that’s part of why this interview made headlines.
In Hollywood and the music industry, where reputations are built on relationships as much as talent, what happens behind the scenes often matters just as much as what happens on stage. Sir John’s comments don’t necessarily reflect how everyone in the industry feels, but they do reflect his personal boundaries and what he considers professional respect.
It also underscores a broader point: the words and actions of those behind the scenes are now almost as scrutinized as the artists themselves. As of now, neither Nicki Minaj nor her team has publicly responded to Sir John’s comments. There’s no indication of a direct feud, and no statement suggesting that Minaj herself has reacted. In many cases like this, both sides may simply move on without any further public engagement.
Meanwhile, Sir John continues to work with Beyoncé and other top celebrities, multiplying his influence in beauty and culture. And Nicki Minaj, one of the most successful female rappers in history, continues to release music, headline tours, and lead a loyal fan base known as the Barbz.
