Every Time Rihanna Shut Down Rumors of a Beyoncé Feud

Rihanna and Beyoncé are two of the biggest names in music. Because of that stature, the media has often pitted them against each other, with tabloid reports periodically resurfacing about a supposed feud or “frenemy” dynamic. Recent gossip claims their relationship cooled over alleged loyalty issues and associations with controversial figures. However, none of these claims have been confirmed by either artist and often stem from anonymous sources. In reality, Rihanna herself has publicly rejected the idea of any rivalry. Here’s what Rihanna has said in the past regarding her and Beyoncé’s alleged feud.

Rihanna previously said that the world wants to ‘feast on something that’s negative’ in terms of herself and Beyoncé

Rumors of a rivalry between Rihanna and Beyoncé didn’t begin with any confirmed personal conflict between the two artists. Rather, it grew out of media narratives and fan speculation tied to timing, awards, and chart competition. From 2010 to 2015, fans and the press compared the two stars to each other frequently. And in 2016, Rihanna released ANTI while Beyoncé released Lemonade — another move that raised the eyebrows of fans.

Rihanna has repeatedly made it clear that there is no true feud or competition between her and Beyoncé despite media and fan speculation. In a 2016 Vogue interview, she said the idea of a rivalry is something the press “gets so excited to feast on.” Rihanna explained that she doesn’t wake up thinking about competing with Beyoncé.

“Here’s the deal,” Rihanna said at the time. “You know what, it’s more relevant to the world. They somehow are so enthused by that. They just get so excited to feast on something that’s negative.” Rihanna added that the media loves “something that’s competitive” and “a rivalry” between two successful women. “And that’s just not what I wake up to,” she continued. “Because I can only do me. And nobody else is going to be able to do that.”

Rihanna cleared up rumors following a social media debacle

Rihanna and Beyoncé feud rumors heated up after Rihanna “liked” a comment about the Grammy nominations in 2016.

“Congrats and all to @badgalriri and all for her 8 Grammy nods but tbh f*** them because they snubbed her for Song of the Year and Album of the Year … I think they didn’t want her tied or passing someone else *cough cough*,” the caption read, referring to Beyoncé’s Lemonade, according to Entertainment Tonight.

The simple social media action blew up, causing Rihanna to respond to the situation. “I never actually read your caption, thought the pic was funny and moved right along!” she commented. “Til I seen it pop up over and over! I’m petty af, yes. But this is just unnecessary!”

Rihanna continued by commenting on the media’s greater treatment of Black women.

“I wish y’all would drop this topic and see things from the bigger picture!” she continued. “We don’t need to be putting black women against each other! We deserve to be celebrated, and the Grammy Academy agrees!”

Rihanna once said that she wanted Beyoncé in her Savage X Fenty show

To further dispel the rumors of a feud, Rihanna admitted that she’d absolutely love for Beyoncé to model in a Savage X Fenty show. A clip posted to YouTube shows Rihanna telling E! News that the Cowboy Carter singer is who she’d choose to model for her show if she could choose anyone.

“Beyoncé got body,” Rihanna said. “Yeah. That would just trump everything for me.”

Beyoncé hasn’t publicly mentioned Rihanna — but Jay-Z has

While Rihanna has addressed the Beyoncé feud rumors, Beyoncé hasn’t. However, Jay-Z has mentioned Rihanna on several occasions.

Rihanna and Jay-Z’s connection dates back to the very beginning of her career in the mid-2000s, when she was still a teenager from Barbados trying to break into the music industry. At just 16 years old, she auditioned for Def Jam Recordings. Jay-Z was serving as president and CEO at the time. She performed her demo, Pon de Replay, for him and other label executives. Jay-Z was so impressed by her talent that Def Jam signed her on the spot, reportedly joking that there were only “two ways out” of the office — through the door with a record deal signed or out the window.

Their professional relationship continued with high-profile collaborations, including the smash hit “Umbrella.” The track featured Jay-Z and helped solidify Rihanna’s breakout status in music. Later, they collaborated on tracks like “Run This Town” and “Talk That Talk.”

In a 2013 radio interview with Hot97’s Angie Martinez, Jay-Z was asked whether he intervenes when he sees Rihanna doing things he doesn’t approve of.

“That’s not my place, no, again, I can’t control the outcome of her life,” he said, according to Glamour. “I can’t intervene. I can give advice when asked, and that’s it; I can provide information, and then life has to play out, life has to happen.”