Tyla has clarified a viral backstage clip from the 2026 Met Gala that appeared to show an awkward encounter with her idol Rihanna, emphasizing that there was no shade or snub involved — just a busy night for the superstar mom.
In a candid TikTok video posted shortly after the event, the South African singer — who has long been vocal about her admiration for Rihanna — recounted approaching the Barbadian artist during the star-studded evening.
“She was cool… I think she was occupied. I went up to her and was like, ‘Oh, hey, you know…’ and she was like, ‘Hey, um — my baby daddy is calling me,’ and then she left,” Tyla shared in the clip.
Tyla, who admitted she felt a bit awkward in the moment, added that she chose not to approach Rihanna again later while waiting for her car. “This time, yeah, I don’t want to go up because I felt like she was busy, you know what I mean,” she explained. “The last time she was busy. So I want it to be like calm so we both can just vibe and talk nicely.”
The “Water” singer noted that this wasn’t their first interaction. She had briefly met Rihanna at the 2025 Met Gala, describing her as “cool” but seemingly preoccupied at the time as well.
“I look crazy right now, but I just woke up. My voice is raspy. Basically, everyone knows I love Ri,” Tyla said at the top of the video, underscoring her genuine fandom.
The clip quickly sparked online speculation about a possible “snub,” but Tyla’s lighthearted explanation aimed to shut down any drama. Rihanna attended the 2026 Met Gala — themed “Costume Art” — with partner A$AP Rocky, with whom she shares young children RZA, Riot Rose, and a reported younger daughter. The “baby daddy calling” line aligns with the singer’s well-documented life balancing motherhood and her business empire, including Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty.
Backstage at the Met Gala is notoriously chaotic, with celebrities navigating interviews, styling, photos, and logistics in a high-pressure environment. Tyla, who has often been positioned by fans and critics as carrying forward elements of Rihanna’s genre-blending style and global appeal, handled the situation with maturity.
Tyla’s latest project and recent tour stops have continued to highlight her rising profile, including remixes paying homage to both Beyoncé and Rihanna. She has previously addressed comparisons to the “Umbrella” hitmaker, stating she respects the nods but is focused on carving out her own lane.
As of now, no further comment has been issued from Rihanna’s camp. The moment stands as a relatable, human celebrity interaction amid the glamour of fashion’s biggest night.
