Naomi Campbell Responds to Rihanna Snubbing Rumors at Fashion Week: “I Won’t Let the World Divide Two Black Women”

Recent months have seen heightened fan and media speculation regarding a supposed feud between Naomi Campbell and Rihanna, notably following a viral video from the Alaia fashion show during New York Fashion Week. In this video, Rihanna made a striking entrance in a custom crystal-mesh gown, greeting several attendees, including former British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, before she took her seat.

The video sparked controversy when viewers speculated that Rihanna may have ignored both Campbell and renowned stylist Law Roach as she walked by. This moment ignited an online debate, with some arguing that Rihanna’s actions were not indicative of any feud, as she also didn’t greet other guests. Conversely, others claimed that Rihanna intentionally snubbed Campbell.

In an interview with the New York Times, published on September 21, 2024, Naomi Campbell addressed the situation, stating:

“I’m not about to let the world pitch two Black women against each other. We are two women with two children, mothers.”

Similarly, prominent designer Law Roach, who was also involved in the unfolding drama at the Alaia fashion show, dismissed any rumors of a feud on his X account on September 15, 2024:

“Sometimes something is just nothing. So stop trying to make nothing into something. Y’all need to get some business. OK, I love you, bye!”

Exploring the relationship between Naomi Campbell and Rihanna

According to Nicki Swift Magazine, Rihanna and Naomi initially connected through mutual friends in the fashion industry, eventually becoming close friends. In 2016, Naomi Campbell modeled for a Vogue Italia photoshoot showcasing items from Rihanna’s Fenty fashion line.

The nine-time Grammy Award winner expressed her gratitude for Campbell’s promotion of her brand in a now-deleted Instagram post, where she also praised Campbell for being a supportive friend.

On Rihanna’s 28th birthday in 2016, Naomi Campbell took to Facebook to share heartfelt birthday wishes. Additionally, she showed her support for Rihanna at the FENTY x Puma Fall Runway show during New York Fashion Week in February of that year. Campbell was also spotted at Rihanna’s Anti World Tour concert at the Barclays Center in March 2016.

However, many speculate that the bond between the two celebrities began to fade when Rihanna started dating billionaire Hassan Jameel in 2019, who is rumored to be Campbell’s ex. Following this, Rihanna and Campbell unfollowed each other on Instagram, prompting various media theories regarding the reason for their friendship’s decline.

Naomi Campbell appeared on *Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen* on March 7, 2017. When asked by a fan about any potential conflict with the Diamonds singer, she said:

“I don’t have beef,” she said. “I don’t have beef, especially with black women that I think are powerful and out there. We’re all in the same thing, doing the same struggle.”

As of now, Rihanna has not publicly commented on the rumored dispute with Naomi Campbell. Recently, she celebrated the launch of her Fenty Hair products at the London department store Selfridges.

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