Steven Tyler Responds To Nicki Minaj Rant: ‘I’m No Racist’ [Video]

Steven Tyler has responded to American Idol judge Nicki Minaj’s criticism that he is a racist.

Let’s recap: Steven Tyler criticized the new American Idol judges in a recent interview with MTV, arguing that newly-minted judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj should drop their beef, stop fighting, and focus on the contestants. He particularly singled Minaj out, saying that if Bob Dylan auditioned for American Idol, she’d turn him away.

Mariah Carey wisely wouldn’t touch Tyler’s criticism with a ten-foot pole. Enter Nicki Minaj, who aired her grievances with the Aerosmith front-man on Twitter, saying among other things, “That’s a racist comment. You assume that I wouldn’t have liked Bob Dylan??? why? black? rapper? what? go f— yourself and worry about yourself babe.”

Tyler appeared on eTalk, and answered Minaj’s criticism of him. Though not especially apologetic, Tyler did make sure to clarify that he’s not a racist.

“I apologize if it was taken wrong, Nicki… But I am the last thing on this planet as far as being a racist. I don’t know where she got that out of me saying I’m not sure how she would’ve judged Bob Dylan.”

No word on whether Nicki Minaj has accepted Tyler’s semi-apology. Her Twitter today is filled instead with gems like this:

LGHT SKN DCKS < DRK SKN DCKS

— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) November 28, 2012

Here’s the video of Steven Tyler’s pseudo-apology to Nicki Minaj, and his insistence that he’s not a racist:

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