Rihanna Explains Why She Turned Down the Super Bowl—And Throws Shade at JLo

Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates from Your Next Shoes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details.

In October 2015, Rihanna reignited her feud with Jennifer Lopez. Insinuating that JLo would do anything for money, the Grammy-winning rapper told Vogue she turned down the Super Bowl halftime show because she didn’t want to be a “sellout.”

Rihanna Refuses Super Bowl Performance

“Absolutely,” she answered when asked if she turned down the Super Bowl halftime show in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, a football quarterback and political activist known for kneeling during the national anthem in protest of police brutality and racial inequality in the United States.

“I couldn’t dare do that. For what? Who gains from that? Not my people. I just couldn’t be a sellout. I couldn’t be an enabler. 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.”

Jennifer Lopez and Shakira Take the Stage

Since Rihanna refused to perform, J-Lo and Shakira were announced to play the high-profile Super Bowl half-time show at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on February 20, 2020, which also happened to be Shakira’s 43rd birthday. The two artists promised to ‘set the world on fire.’

Rihanna Steps Out in Balenciaga

Rihanna heading out of the Fashion Awards' after party at Laylow Club in LondonRihanna heading out of the Fashion Awards’ after party at Laylow Club in London on December 3, 2019 (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / WENN / Instar)

Wearing an oversized belted faux shearling-trimmed faux leather coat from Balenciaga, Rihanna did not comment on her feud with Jennifer Lopez when leaving the Fashion Awards at Laylow Club in London. She toted Prada’s Galleria mini textured-leather tote.

Rihanna steps out in style, sporting a sleek black faux leather coat, braided hair, and bold red lipstick while carrying a Prada Galleria mini toteRihanna steps out in style, sporting a sleek black faux leather coat, braided hair, and bold red lipstick while carrying a Prada Galleria mini tote

A Rift Over Drake

Their feud started in 2016 when Jennifer Lopez had a fling with Rihanna’s ex-boyfriend, Drake. A friend of the Barbadian singer revealed to In Touch that Rihanna felt like their new fling was “the ultimate betrayal.”

“Rihanna and Jennifer used to be good friends. She’s even confided in J.Lo about her rocky relationship with Drake. Rihanna is very hurt,” the source said, adding Rihanna even “branded her former pal a traitor.”

Jennifer Lopez’s Engagement with Alex Rodriguez

Just like her relationship with Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez did not date Drake for long and got engaged to Alex Rodriguez in 2019. Before the 2020 Golden Globes, the former Yankee player took to Instagram to praise his fiancée for everything she’s accomplished.

Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez arrive at the 2020 Golden Globe AwardsAlex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez arrive at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2019

“Jen, it doesn’t take a trophy, medal, or plaque to identify a true champion. To millions of young women who have watched you and have been inspired and empowered to do amazing things in their lives, you are a champion,” Alex wrote.

“For countless musicians, dancers, actresses, and performers who have seen and emulated your passion, drive and work ethic to find their own success, you are a champion.”

Jennifer Lopez donned a Valentino Haute Couture gown with a gigantic gold and emerald bowJennifer Lopez donned a Valentino Haute Couture gown with a gigantic gold and emerald bow

A Controversial Gift from Drake

It’s unknown what Lopez did with the $100,000 she received from Drake. In January 2017, J. Lo posted another controversial photo on Instagram, in which she seemed to be contemplating her plans for the new year.

The sexy Latina singer wore several pieces of sparkling diamond jewelry, including a single-strand Tiffany diamond necklace peeking through her thick fur coat.

Jennifer Lopez in a sexy pose, with the sparkly Tiffany necklace partly showing, posted by @jlo on January 2, 2017Jennifer Lopez in a sexy pose, with the sparkly Tiffany necklace partly showing, posted by @jlo on January 2, 2017 (Credit: Jennifer Lopez’s Instagram)

Several reports have confirmed that the necklace was from Drake’s rumored boyfriend.

Drake has been known to spoil his women with jewelry. According to sources, the “Hotline Bling” singer gave the necklace as a gift for New Year’s Eve.

Drake and Jennifer Lopez share an intimate moment, cuddling on a sofa in a cozy settingDrake and Jennifer Lopez share an intimate moment, cuddling on a sofa in a cozy setting (Credit: Jennifer Lopez’s Instagram)

The gorgeous necklace is the Mixed Cluster Necklace from Tiffany & Co.’s Victoria Collection. It features a platinum setting and mixed-cut diamonds, including pear-shaped, round, and marquise stones, totaling 15 carats. What is the price tag of this beauty? $100,000!

Rihanna Launches ‘RiRi by Rihanna’ Fragrance

In September 2015, Rihanna launched her seventh fragrance, “RiRi by Rihanna,” at Macy’s while wearing an all-pink ensemble.

Rihanna launched her new fragrance, "RiRi by Rihanna," on September 1, 2015, at Macy's in Brooklyn, New YorkRihanna launched her new fragrance, “RiRi by Rihanna,” on September 1, 2015, at Macy’s in Brooklyn, New York

At the event, Rihanna debuted her newest fragrance and explained its concept to the 1,000 fans in attendance.

Rihanna poses with her latest fragrance while wearing a bright pink dress from Vivienne WestwoodRihanna poses with her latest fragrance while wearing a bright pink dress from Vivienne Westwood

The then-27-year-old pop star said her latest fragrance, including rum notes, is suitable for transitioning day to night. “(It) just keeps getting better,” she said.

Rihanna shows off an ankle tattoo that reads "1988" in a pair of glossy pink Christian Louboutin pumpsRihanna shows off an ankle tattoo that reads “1988” in a pair of glossy pink Christian Louboutin pumps

Rih also shared her thoughts on Kanye’s controversial VMA moment when he announced that he was running for president in 2020.

Rihanna smiles and flaunts a bottle of "RiRi by Rihanna" while showing off her stacks of bracelets and layered necklacesRihanna smiles and flaunts a bottle of “RiRi by Rihanna” while showing off her stacks of bracelets and layered necklaces

Rihanna said she thought it was inspiring and what her generation needed to hear.

For the launch, the “Bitch Better Have My Money” singer wore a pink dress by Vivienne Westwood, which she paired with pink patent “So Kate” heels from Christian Louboutin. In August 2024, Zendaya also wore pink Christian Louboutin “So Kate” patent pumps to the Teen Choice Awards.

Rihanna talks about her inspiration for “RiRi by Rihanna,” as well as what she thought of Kanye’s 2020 presidential speech

If you’re into the Barbie pink style that Paris Hilton made popular during the peak of her reality television career (think Mean Girls), head on over to Nordstrom.

Christian Louboutin "So Kate" 120 mm Patent Leather in Baby PinkChristian Louboutin “So Kate” 120 mm Patent Leather in Baby Pink, $675 – $825