New York Governor Kathy Hochul responds after rapper Nicki Minaj calls her 'evil'

NEW YORK -- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and rapper Nicki Minaj exchanged sharp criticism Wednesday, adding a celebrity-fueled twist to the final days of New York's gubernatorial campaign.

The back-and-forth began after Minaj, who has become an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump and Republican candidates, posted a social media message attacking Hochul.

"Kathy Hochul is an evil woman. The Democratic Party should forfeit her seat because even if she wins, she will be of great consequence to them. Downward spiral for her. She will not escape God's wrath. She did not denounce evil when she had the chance," Minaj wrote.

The musician continued her criticism in a lengthy post, accusing Hochul of keeping "horrible company" and failing to condemn wrongdoing.

Asked about the comments during a campaign stop in Albany, Hochul fired back.

"I think she should ought to get outside and get offline a little more. And stop going to Trump rallies because it's poisoning your mind," Hochul said.

Minaj appeared with Trump at a rally in Michigan earlier this week and has publicly urged young voters to "vote red" in the upcoming election. The exchange is notable because Minaj previously endorsed Hochul during the governor's 2018 lieutenant governor campaign.

The clash comes as Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman make their final push toward Election Day. Recent polling has shown Hochul maintaining a double-digit lead in the race.

Hochul was campaigning in Albany on Wednesday, while Blakeman continued a statewide campaign tour focused on energizing Republican voters ahead of Election Day.