Nicki Minaj has been linked to a variety of famous men throughout the years, but she ended up tying the knot with someone she knew for decades, her childhood sweetheart. The future pop star began dating Kenneth Petty when she was 16 years old, but things eventually fizzled out and the two lost contact over the years.

However, they eventually reconciled their romance years later, only to surprise fans by eloping. Nicki surprised fans when she revealed on Instagram in October 2019 that she and Kenneth had secretly married. She made a post showing off their wedding merchandise, which included glittery high heels as well as Mr. and Mrs. coffee mugs.

RELATED: Are Kourtney Kardashian And Travis Barker Getting Their Own Reality Show?

Fans have loved seeing Nicki settle down and experience motherhood, and the singer says she’s happier than ever. But her marriage hasn’t been without controversy, mainly because of Kenneth’s dark history and continuing legal problems.

Despite him being convicted of several serious crimes, including assault of a minor, Nicki continues to defend her husband. Here’s what fans need to know about Kenneth Petty’s history.

Nicki Minaj’s Childhood Sweetheart Has A Criminal History

Nicki Minaj’s Husband Has A Dark Past That’ll Change Your View On Her 

Via Instar

Kenneth’s legal troubles began around the time he would’ve been dating a teenage Nicki. In 1995, he was convicted due to an alteration with 16-year-old girl that took place the year prior.

Kenneth subsequently served four years in a New York state prison.

RELATED: Did Khloe Kardashian Try To Pay Maralee Nichols To Keep Quiet?

Kenneth Was Arrested And Sentenced Last Year For Violations

Kenneth apparently didn’t take the terms of his release seriously, even after marrying an international superstar. In November 2019, only months after marrying Nicki, Kenneth got into trouble during a traffic stop in Los Angeles when it was revealed he hadn’t registered as a sex offender in the state, which was a condition since he'd moved to California to live with his wife.

He was subsequently arrested in 2020, though he originally plead not guilty to the charges. In lieu of house arrest, Kenneth was ordered to wear an ankle monitor and stick to a curfew. He also had to surrender his passport and was told not to leave Southern California.

RELATED: Was Britney Spears’ Miscarriage A Publicity Stunt?

In September 2021, Kenneth plead guilty to failing to register as a sex offender, though he wasn’t sentenced until July of the following year. Though he was facing up to a decade in prison, Kenneth was given a year of house arrest as well as three years of probation. He also had to pay a $55,000 fine.

Nicki Minaj Supports Her Husband & Defends His Dark Past

Nicki Minaj’s Husband Has A Dark Past That’ll Change Your View On Her 
Via Instar

Kenneth’s criminal history has been a source of public speculation and contention since he rekindled his romance with Nicki in 2018. But the rapper hasn’t been shy to come to his defense. She’s directly spoken about the rape he was convicted of, implying it was consensual.

He was 15, she was 16 … in a relationship,” she wrote on social media in 2018. “But go awf, internet, y’all can’t run my life. y’all can’t even run y’all own life.”

Nicki and Kenneth were eventually sued by the woman he was convicted of assaulting, Jennifer Hough, who maintains it was unconsensual. Her lawsuit, which was filed in August 2022, accused the couple of trying to intimidate Jennifer into recanting her allegations.

However, Jennifer eventually dropped the lawsuit. Nicki’s lawyer told the media he was pleased the plaintiff “came to their senses.”

"Your conduct in pursuing this case against Nicki represents the worst of our legal system: bottom-feeding lawyers who pursue frivolous actions against a celebrity assuming that they will be paid off if they throw up enough dirt," the attorney, Judd Bernstein, stated.

Nicki has also taken legal action in support of her husband. For example, in September 2022, the singer filed a defamation lawsuit against blogger Nosey Heaux, who called Nicki a “cokehead,” among other accusations. The rapper was seeking at least $75,000 in damages.

However, Nosey later claimed Nicki was doing it out of revenge for her support of Jennifer Hough.

Her attorney, Judd Burstein, has been equally vocal to the media about their confidence in the case – and that they’ll come for anyone who says anything similar about Nicki’s family.

When this case is over, she will no longer be permitted to use the name ‘Nosey Heaux’ because we will take her trademark from her when she does not have enough money to pay the judgment,” Minaj’s attorney Judd Burstein told TMZ. “Anyone else who spreads lies about Nicki will suffer a similar fate.”

Nosey subsequently filed her own case, which accused Nicki and Kenneth of harassment, though she later dropped it.

Interestingly, Nicki has a history of supporting people accused of sexual assault. Her brother, Jelani Maraj, is a convicted child rapist. She’s also worked with Tekashi69 in the wake of him pleading guilty to sexual misconduct in a situation involving a 13-year-old girl.

Despite her husband’s legal troubles, Nicki has been vocal about wanting to expand their family. In 2021, the musician said she hopes her family will “grow” in the future.

What do you think of Nicki’s controversial marriage?