Greetings, everyone! Rihanna, undoubtedly one of the most iconic pop stars of her generation, has left an indelible mark not just in the music industry but also in the realm of fashion. Today, she stands atop a billion-dollar empire with her Savage Xfinity and Fenty Beauty lines. While we admire her present achievements, it’s essential to remember the moments that defined her journey, including her infamous clap back era.
During this period, Rihanna was renowned for her quick wit and sharp tongue, especially when it came to shutting down critics. Amidst her meteoric rise to fame, she faced intense media scrutiny and pressure, releasing albums annually for seven consecutive years, a feat that demanded relentless dedication.
Despite her success, Rihanna’s provocative and uninhibited persona often drew criticism and fueled controversies. Yet, behind the glamour, she grappled with personal and professional challenges, navigating toxic relationships and inner turmoil away from the spotlight. It’s crucial to acknowledge the complexities of her circumstances during that time, understanding the reasons behind her occasional outbursts.
Let’s delve into some of Rihanna’s memorable clap backs:
Joan Rivers Critique: When Joan Rivers criticized Rihanna for reconciling with Chris Brown after a violent incident, Rihanna quipped, “Wow, you really do get slow when you’re old, huh?”
MTV Controversy: Responding to MTV’s critique of her marijuana photos from Coachella, Rihanna simply stated, “Yikes, Rihanna ran out of F’s to give.”
Piers Morgan’s Comment: Piers Morgan’s suggestion for Rihanna to grow her hair back prompted her hilarious response, “Grow a d fast, dang!”
Amanda Bynes’ Rant: Amid Amanda Bynes’ rant targeting her appearance, Rihanna’s comeback was sharp: “You see what happens when they cancel intervention?”
Hair Criticism: Rihanna’s unapologetic response to criticism about her hair, “Cause I’m black, b,” resonated with many.
Pregnancy Speculation: When faced with pregnancy rumors, Rihanna’s witty reply, “Hello, you must be my pee, nice to meet you,” silenced critics.
Classiness Critique: Rihanna’s retort to accusations of being unclassy was straightforward: “F you, aunt, hashtag unclassy.”
Fashion Criticism: Refusing to conform to societal standards of decency, Rihanna’s response to calls for her to dress modestly was blunt: “Yo, P is way too dry to be riding my D like this.”
Artistic Critique: In response to accusations of using sex to sell her art, Rihanna’s comeback was playful yet assertive: “Whatever you say, fishy poom poom.”
Rihanna’s clap backs not only showcased her wit but also served as a reminder of her resilience in the face of criticism. Today, as she enjoys a more fulfilled life, her journey stands as a testament to her unwavering spirit and determination to chart her own course in the world of entertainment and beyond.
Another internet provocateur, bearing the moniker “devil worshiper,” made derogatory remarks about Rihanna, claiming she engaged in promiscuous behavior with Drake and Eminem. Rihanna promptly fired back, asserting her defiance even against the Devil himself, telling him to “F off.”
Notably, even actor Charlie Sheen directed unwarranted criticism at Rihanna, launching into a tirade about her supposed avoidance of meeting his girlfriend due to paparazzi harassment. Unfazed, Rihanna dismissed his outburst, humorously labeling him an “old Queen” and sharing a photoshopped image of Sheen seeking her autograph on her Twitter header.
Furthermore, Rihanna faced racial slurs from a Dutch magazine editor, Eva Joki, who used derogatory language in an article. Rihanna condemned this behavior, admonishing Joki for the lack of journalistic integrity and disrespect. She concluded her response with a blunt “f u,” firmly standing up against such attacks.
These incidents illustrate Rihanna’s resilience in the face of adversity. Contrary to misconceptions, she wasn’t instigating conflicts but rather defending herself against relentless attacks. Her boldness paved the way for a new standard of assertiveness among pop stars, challenging the notion that they must passively endure criticism.
Moving beyond conflicts, let’s delve into some of Rihanna’s previous disputes before exploring her perspectives:
Rihanna vs. Jhene Aiko:
In 2009, Jhene allegedly retweeted a post insinuating that Rihanna, along with other celebrities, had intimate content leaked. Years later, Jhene expressed interest in collaborating with Rihanna on a “nasty song.” Rihanna subtly addressed the earlier incident, affirming her role model status. Despite this exchange, subsequent photos of the two suggest any tensions have dissipated.
Rihanna vs. TLC:
Additionally, there was a dispute with TLC that originated from a significant misunderstanding in 2014. During an interview on Australia’s Sunrise Show, TLC’s comments were presented in a misleading manner by the producers, leading to tension. Specifically, T-Boz’s remarks were misconstrued to appear as though she was criticizing Rihanna, when in reality, she was addressing broader issues related to reality television and perceptions of promiscuity. Rihanna, understandably upset, responded by highlighting TLC’s alleged hypocrisy with a topless photo and a meme. However, T-Boz clarified that her comments were not directed at Rihanna but were rather commentary on the portrayal of individuals in reality TV.
Another feud Rihanna was involved in was with Azealia Banks, which was less ambiguous as Banks directly targeted Rihanna. Known for her provocative behavior, Banks made unprovoked attacks on Rihanna, particularly criticizing her stance against Donald Trump’s policies in 2017. Rihanna countered with witty social media posts, including references to Banks’ controversial practices. The feud escalated with mutual insults and the public sharing of private messages, ultimately leading to both parties deleting their contentious posts.
Rihanna’s rift with Kendall Jenner stemmed from a Twitter exchange where Jenner expressed disappointment over Rihanna not performing a particular song, to which Rihanna curtly replied. Speculation suggests that Rihanna’s lack of regard for Jenner may be rooted in her perception of Jenner’s entry into the modeling industry, seen by some as facilitated by her family’s influence rather than merit. Reports of Rihanna’s alleged comments at the Met Gala further fuel the notion that she may not hold Jenner in high esteem due to the circumstances of her rise to fame. While the exact nature of their discord remains speculative, it’s evident that Rihanna’s reservations about Jenner may stem from a lack of respect for her perceived entitlement within the industry.
Another conflict Rihanna found herself in was with singer Ciara. This was unexpected because, for the most part, Rihanna and Ciara had positive interactions. However, in 2011, Ciara appeared on Fashion Police and claimed that Rihanna had not been very friendly to her. “I recently bumped into her at a party, and she wasn’t very nice. It’s surprising because I’ve always admired and respected her fashion sense, and I’ve told her so before. But this time, it was quite unpleasant.” This sparked a bit of a heated exchange. When Rihanna saw Ciara’s remarks, she felt upset. She retorted, “My bad, seed. Did I forget to tip you? How rude of me.” Ciara fired back, saying, “Trust me, Rihanna, you don’t want to see me on or off the stage.” Rihanna challenged, “You think you’re tough, huh? Good luck booking that stage you’re talking about.” Then, she softened her tone, adding, “Ciara, I care about you, girl. Your comments on TV really hurt me. I felt heartbroken, which is why I responded like this. I apologize. #naturalbeauty.” Ciara responded with understanding, “Rih, it’s always been love since day one. From doing shows to everything else. You caught me off guard at that party. Apology accepted. Let’s talk in person.”
Initially, it seemed like the rift between Rihanna and Ciara had been resolved. However, in 2013, Rihanna’s close friend Melissa posted a photo of them laughing while Ciara sang her song “Body Party” in Rihanna’s bathroom. Ciara was unimpressed and commented, “I don’t have time for such nonsense. Grow up and do something positive for once. God bless.” She later addressed the incident in several interviews.
These reactions from Rihanna reveal her sensitivity to criticism and perceived slights, showcasing the complexity of her relationships within the industry, which could shift from camaraderie to contention and back again.