Rapper Nicki Minaj threw her support behind US President Donald Trump's claims that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria, despite the West African country and international experts refuting the claims as "unfounded."

Minaj, who spoke at an event held by the US embassy to the United Nations, thanked Trump for "for prioritizing this issue and for his leadership."

Christians in Nigeria have been the subject of Minaj's posts on social media, where she's being followed by millions of people.

According to the rapper, Trump called for "urgent action to defend Christians in Nigeria" and to "combat extremism," while also vowing to stand up "in the face of injustice" for anyone who's being persecuted for their religious beliefs.

"In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes and killed," she claimed while standing alongside the US ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz.

"Churches have been burned. Families have been torn apart, and entire communities live in fear constantly, simply because of how they pray," she said.

Provocative star's history with religious conservatives

Minaj, born in Trinidad, said calling for the protection of Christians in Nigeria "is not about taking sides or dividing people," but about "uniting humanity."

Trump recently accused Nigeria of tolerating the violence against Christians by "Islamist terrorists," following the claims made by some US Christian conservatives. He has threatened military action over the issue.

Nigerian officials have repeatedly rejected Trump's claims, pointing to the fact that Muslims are the main victims of Islamist insurgency in the country.

Nicki Minaj is a rap star known for her provocative lyrics and videos, resulting in the US' religious right clashing with her in the past.

In 2012, she attended the Grammy Awards with a man dressed as the Pope, before performing a mock exorcism, triggering the anger of Christians in the US.

Edited by: Zac Crellin