

Rihanna had been approached by the NFL about doing the Super Bowl Halftime Show several times before she agreed to take the stage this past Sunday.
Most notably, Rihanna publicly refused to do the show back in 2018, a decision she made in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, who took the knee at the event in 2016 to protest racism and police brutality. The NFL subsequently banned the act of taking the knee during the National Anthem at the Super Bowl.
"I just couldn’t be a sellout," Rihanna told U.S. Vogue in 2019, explaining her decision. "There’s things within that organization that I do not agree with at all, and I was not about to go and be of service to them in any way."
Now, in a new cover interview with British Vogue, the superstar explained why she felt better about performing at the Super Bowl this year.
"There’s still a lot of mending to be done in my eyes, but it’s powerful to break those doors, and have representation at such a high, high level and a consistent level," she said, pointing to the fact that last year's lineup consisted of a slew of rap legends. "Two Super Bowls back-to-back, you know, representing the urban community, globally. It is powerful. It sends a really strong message."
The cause of racial justice is hitting especially close to home for Rihanna now that she's a new mom. "Of course, raising a young Black man is one of the scariest responsibilities in life," she said.
"You’re like, 'What am I leaving my kids to? This is the planet they’re gonna be living on?' All of those things really start to hit differently."
Rihanna and her partner ASAP Rocky welcomed their son in May 2022, and the Fenty founder announced her second pregnancy during her set at the 2023 Super Bowl.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
One of King Charles’ Siblings Was Adamant That Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Be Evicted from Frogmore Cottage
Meanwhile, another sibling was “uneasy” about the decision.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Despite the Royal Family’s Disdain for Princess Diana When She Was Alive, It Regularly Pushed Both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle to Dress Like Her, New Book Claims
“During the past 13 years, Diana cosplay has become a royal staple.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
King Charles Employs 28 Personal Household Staff Members That Have to Do Some Really Weird Job Duties
Talk about “other duties as assigned.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
ASAP Rocky and Rihanna's Children Are Their "Best Creation So Far," The Rapper Says
Such a loving dad.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Rihanna Sports a Ring on That Finger—and You Already Know What We’re Wondering
Plus, you can shop her double denim look right here.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Rihanna Gives Us Flawless Date Night Style While Out in NYC with A$AP Rocky
The couple stepped out last night for his 35th birthday, and reportedly celebrated until 5 a.m.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Five Weeks Later, We Finally Know the Name of Rihanna’s Second Child
The hints were everywhere, but we totally missed them.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
After the Arrival of Baby No. 2, Rihanna Reportedly Feels That Her Family is “Complete”
This moment is “something she’s always wanted.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Rihanna Hilariously Trolled Her TikToker Lookalike
Hehehe.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Rihanna's Baby Is A 'Vogue' Cover Star Before His First Birthday
The most casual.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Adele Really Did Not Care About the Football at the Super Bowl
This is so relatable, I'm dying.
By Iris Goldsztajn