Rihanna was observed in Los Angeles with a notably stern expression shortly after her boyfriend, A$AP Rocky, made a sexually explicit comment during a concert that drew significant online criticism. The incident occurred during a stop on Rocky's "Don't Be Dumb Tour" in Phoenix, Arizona.
While addressing the audience, Rocky, 37, stated, "Thank God y'all didn't know me when I was single, 'cause I would've fed the s out of you." Although the live crowd reacted with cheers, the remark was widely condemned on social media, particularly given his relationship with Rihanna, with whom he has three children.
Social media users expressed outrage, with many calling for Rihanna to leave Rocky. Comments included criticisms that the remark was disrespectful to his audience and his partner, objectifying, and out of character for someone in a committed relationship with children. Some users argued that his comments were inappropriate and "cringe" for a person with a family.
Rihanna, 38, was seen in the passenger seat of a car, her face partially obscured by sunglasses, shortly after the controversy erupted. She was not present at the Phoenix concert where Rocky's comment went viral.
Despite the widespread criticism, some social media users defended Rocky, suggesting that his comment was intended as a joke and that critics were overreacting.
Rihanna and Rocky have been in a relationship since 2020 and have three children: sons RZA and Riot, and daughter Rocki. The couple has faced intense media scrutiny and speculation about their relationship, including rumors of marriage, fueled by instances where Rihanna referred to Rocky as her "loving husband" and he called her his "wife."
Earlier in March, the family experienced a frightening incident when a shooting occurred at their Beverly Hills home. Rihanna, Rocky, their children, Rihanna's mother, and staff were reportedly on the property at the time. The suspect, Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 35, has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted murder.
Rocky himself addressed the shooting incident in an interview with Vibe, stating that it was a "f***ed up" experience that took away his peace and happiness. He noted, "I don’t want to be robbed of my peace and joy." This event followed a previous legal matter where Rocky was acquitted of felony assault charges related to a shooting incident from the previous year.