Rihanna’s Father Had Starkly Different Views on Chris Brown and A$AP Rocky
Robyn Rihanna Fenty, better known as Rihanna, had a complex and often strained relationship with her father, Ronald Fenty, marked by periods of both closeness and conflict. Growing up in Barbados, Rihanna witnessed firsthand the turmoil caused by her father’s struggles with addiction and his volatile behavior, which left a lasting impact on her childhood. Despite the pain, she has spoken candidly about how those early experiences shaped her resilience and independence. In light of Ronald’s death, we’re looking back at his 2009 response to Chris Brown and his feelings toward A$AP Rocky. Here’s what he said.
Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, discussed his daughter after her relationship with Chris Brown
Rihanna and Chris Brown’s relationship remains one of the most widely publicized and controversial chapters in modern pop culture. The pair began dating as young music superstars in the late 2000s, capturing fans’ attention with their chemistry and rising fame. However, their relationship took a dark turn in 2009 when Brown physically assaulted Rihanna, leading to his arrest and a media firestorm. Despite the trauma, Rihanna demonstrated strength and grace in the aftermath, becoming an advocate for survivors and focusing on healing.
In 2009, Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, commented on his daughter’s behavior post-split from Brown. Rihanna returned to Barbados after Brown’s assault. Ronald noted that Rihanna’s time in the sun appeared to help her find peace and move forward.
“Chris sounds like old news to me,” Ronald told Us Weekly at the time, according to Today. He added that Rihanna seemed like “a different person, back to herself. It’s like Chris never existed. She seems reborn.”
Another insider told Us Weekly that Rihanna realized “how precious life is” after her assault. “She could lose it all if she’s not smarter,” they continued. “She’s starting to see that one wrong choice about who she loves could turn her into the next Whitney Houston.”
Ronald Fenty approved of A$AP Rocky as a partner and dad
Rihanna’s relationship with her father, Ronald Fenty, has been marked by deep emotional challenges and public conflict, including a legal battle that brought their private tensions into the spotlight. She filed a lawsuit against him in 2019, accusing him of exploiting her name and brand without permission through his entertainment company, Fenty Entertainment. Thankfully, the lawsuit was eventually dropped. In 2023, Ronald verified to Page Six that he and his daughter reconciled and discussed his respect for A$AP Rocky.
Ronald called A$AP Rocky “such a cool guy,” adding that he’s “very respectable. He’s taking to fatherhood very well.”
Ronald also commented on whether he believes his daughter and A$AP will get married. “I don’t know about marriage, I really don’t know,” he said.
A$AP Rocky has been supporting Rihanna as she grieves her father
Ronald Fenty’s passing marked a poignant moment in Rihanna’s life, closing a chapter defined by both deep struggles and complex family ties. After battling health issues, he died at the age of 70 in Los Angeles. Despite their tumultuous relationship, Rihanna stood by him in his final days, reflecting a bond that, while imperfect, remained significant.
A$AP Rocky has been standing by Rihanna to assist her in her grief. Photos shared by The U.S. Sun show A$AP stepping out in New York to support his pregnant girlfriend. His assistant shielded him from the rain by holding an umbrella.
Rihanna has yet to address her father’s death on social media. Given how she prefers to remain private, we wouldn’t be surprised if she did not post about it.
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