Additional Coverage:
A recently resurfaced video clip of Rihanna’s 2008 Grammy acceptance speech has sparked controversy, with some criticizing Jay-Z’s behavior during the celebratory moment. The video shows Jay-Z interrupting Rihanna twice as she attempts to dedicate the award to her father, Ronald Fenty, who was in the audience. The timing of the video’s resurgence is particularly poignant, as Fenty passed away last week.
The clip shows Rihanna accepting her first Grammy for “Umbrella,” a collaboration with Jay-Z. She begins to address her father, stating, “Dad, I know I promised you I’m gonna give you my first Grammy, but we might have to fight for this one.”
Jay-Z then interjects, saying, “She said she wanna thank everybody for her first Grammy.” A visibly uncomfortable Rihanna briefly thanks Jay-Z before he interrupts again, stating, “She’d like to thank Jigga Man for being the greatest man in the world.”
Rihanna eventually finishes her speech, even physically preventing Jay-Z from interrupting a third time.
The video has drawn criticism online, with many labeling Jay-Z’s actions as “rude,” “narcissistic,” and even “creepy.” Some comments highlighted the insensitivity of his interruptions, particularly given Rihanna’s intention to honor her father. The renewed scrutiny of Jay-Z’s past behavior follows recent, though later recanted, accusations of sexual assault.