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."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
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.
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.
-
13 Spring Travel Essentials I'm Scooping Up for My European Vacation
Sunglasses, sneakers, and sundresses.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Amid Dire Reports About His Health, the Palace Issues a Wide-Ranging Update on King Charles
The news was accompanied by a never-before-seen photo of the King and Queen Camilla, taken the day after their 19th wedding anniversary this month.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Anne Hathaway Says This ‘The Idea of You’ Sex Scene Is the “North Star” for “Cinematic Sex”
The actress said it “makes it about her pleasure.”
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Rihanna Reveals Which of Her Past Outfits She Considers Her “Fashion Icks”
“I’m just like, ‘Oh my God, I really did that?’”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Rihanna Finally Reveals How She and A$AP Rocky Got Together, and Opens Up About Her Biggest Fears for the Future
Rihanna spoke to 'Interview' about her kids, her career, and the contents of her diaper bag (a repurposed YSL duffle bag, at that).
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
Fans Cheer As A$AP Rocky Gives a Long-Awaited Update on New Rihanna Music
The rapper talked about the status of his partner’s forthcoming ninth album while out and about in Paris this weekend.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
When Rihanna and Natalie Portman Met at Paris Fashion Week, Mutual Fangirling Ensued
Isn't it cute when celebrities totally geek out over meeting each other?
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
Bad Girl RiRi Is Back as Rihanna Gets Steamy for Savage X Fenty
She modeled the brand's brand-new Valentine's Day collection.
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Wear Matching Outfits in Aspen
Cute and cozy!!!
By Jamie Feldman Published
-
Rihanna Wasn’t Planning on Announcing Her Pregnancy at the Super Bowl, But “My Jumper Couldn’t Zip Up”
“It had to be what it had to be.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Rihanna Divulges the One Thing She Can’t Do: “So Far, Have Daughters”
The mogul seems to have plans already well underway for baby No. 3.
By Rachel Burchfield Published