Did Nicki Minaj donate money to Geoffrey Owens? Reason behind rapper's gift to the Cosby actor explained

Nicki Minaj is celebrated globally as a rapper, because of her incredible music as well as her generosity. The rapper is often seen speaking up and contributing to any cause that touches her heart.

The incident of Geoffrey Owens' picture going viral on the internet six years ago serves as an apt example. In September 2018, a fan posted a picture of the former The Cosby Show actor working at Trader's Joe on social media which went viral, leading to many job-shaming him.

Nicki Minaj came to Owens' rescue on her radio show, also pledging to donate $25,000 to the actor.

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Nicki Minaj called Owens a "legend"

Soon after Geoffrey Owens' picture from Trader's Joe went viral on social media, a stream of job-shaming tweets and comments followed. Nicki Minaj was one of the celebrities who came to Owens' defense.

In an episode of Queen Radio following the incident, the Anaconda rapper brought Geoffrey's subject up, calling him "a f***ing legend." She also added:

"Y'all don't know how difficult it is to keep getting jobs. You don't know how hard it is to get your first acting job. And you want to put somebody up on the internet?"

Nicki Minaj, who has talked openly about her waitressing gig at the Red Lobster before she made it as a rapper, then pledged to donate $25,000 to Owens.

Besides the Side to Side rapper, other celebrities came to Geoffrey's rescue on X as well. Here are some of the X posts:

"I swept floors AFTER the @NFL. If need be, I’d do it again. Good honest work is nothing to be ashamed of." - wrote Terry Crews

"Again, why is this news? When I worked on “Thirtysomething” I was also summarizing depositions to pay my rent. Why are you trying to humiliate this honorable, hardworking actor? Shame on you! #geoffreyowens - many great blessings are coming your way!" - wrote Patricia Heaton

"I had been a working actor for years. Jobs stopped, as they do. I worked in retail. At a flower shop. I passed out flyers. It’s about the work. Work gives you pride and purpose. Your visibility as an actor never goes away. But the money sure does." - posted Pamela Adlon

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Geoffrey Owens donated Nicki Minaj's money to charity

Geoffrey Owens received Nicki Minaj's sizeable donation - $25,000 - in the last week of September 2018. However, instead of choosing to keep the donation, Owens decided to send the funds forward to other actors in need.

In a statement shared with TMZ about his decision, the actor said:

"I would like to give this donation of 25k to the Actor’s Fund in memory of the late, great Earle Hyman - who played Cosby’s father, ‘Russell’, on “The Cosby Show” - who lived his last many years and died at the Actors’ Home, (funded and run by the Actor’s Fund).

Geoffrey also expressed his gratitude to the Swalla rapper, adding:

"I am extremely grateful to Nicki Minaj for enabling struggling actors to continue pursuing their dreams."

On her part, the Starships rapper was also happy with Owens' decision, stating:

"I'm happy to be a part of a great cause. I wish Geoffrey much success and want him to know how loved he is. Rest in Peace to Earle Hyman."

Brian Stokes Mitchell, the chairman of The Actors Fund, was equally humbled at receiving the donation and said in a statement:

"I’m greatly humbled and truly inspired that Geoffrey and Nicki would take action to help their colleagues when they need it most. This donation will help us provide essential programs and services to thousands of entertainment and performing arts professionals in need across the country every year."

Geoffrey Owens also appeared on Good Morning America on September 4, where he talked about hoping that his experience would reshape "what it means to work, the honor of the working person, [and] the dignity of work." The Cosby Show actor further added:

"There is no job that’s better than another job. It might pay better, it might have better benefits, it might look better on a resume and on paper. But actually, it’s not better. Every job is worthwhile and valuable."

On the show, Owens also revealed that he had worked at Trader's Joe for over fifteen months, and had first taken the job up for the "flexibility" it offered, allowing him to continue to stay in the entertainment business.

The 60-year-old had been acting, directing, and teaching for over 30 years. He ended the interview by stating that he had had a great life and career - something that most actors would die for. So, he didn't want anyone to feel sorry for him.