Naomi Campbell Slams Rihanna Feud Rumors: ‘We’re Two Mothers, Not Rivals’

Naomi Campbell has taken a firm stance against swirling rumors suggesting a feud between her and Rihanna. Social media erupted with speculation about the nature of their relationship after videos from a recent fashion show appeared to show tension between the two icons. However, Campbell has made it clear that she won’t allow such narratives to pit her against Rihanna, emphasizing unity over drama.

Rihanna and Naomi Campbell's relationship seems to date back to the 2010s.

The buzz started following the Alaïa Winter Spring 2025 show in New York City on September 6. In the now-viral clips, Rihanna walks past Campbell and celebrity stylist Law Roach, who are seated together in the front row, without stopping to acknowledge them. Instead, she makes a beeline for British Vogue Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful, warmly greeting him before moving on. Fans quickly picked up on the perceived slight, interpreting Rihanna’s actions as a deliberate snub.

In an interview with *The New York Times*, Campbell addressed the rumors head-on, dismissing the notion of a feud. "I’m not about to let the world [pit] two Black women against each other," she stated firmly.

“We are two women with two children, mothers.” Campbell’s words convey a message of solidarity and empowerment, underlining the importance of not letting public narratives create unnecessary conflict between successful women.

Despite Campbell’s efforts to defuse the situation, the speculation continued. Law Roach fueled the conversation when he shared a video on Instagram referencing the viral “demure” trend popularized by TikTok star Jools Lebron.

In the video, Campbell and Roach make a subtle jab at individuals who, in their opinion, are too focused on flaunting themselves rather than showcasing fashion appropriately. "It’s not about showing yourself, it’s about showing the clothes," Campbell says in the clip, a comment some followers saw as indirect shade toward Rihanna.

Naomi and Rihanna have never publicly criticized or had conflicts with each other.

The speculation reached new heights when Roach addressed the issue directly on X (formerly known as Twitter). He urged followers to "stop trying to make nothing into something," a clear statement that the supposed drama between him, Campbell, and Rihanna was entirely manufactured by the media and online chatter. This isn’t the first time Campbell has been at the center of high-profile feud rumors, and it seems she’s well-prepared to handle the scrutiny.

Interestingly, the fashion icon was recently embroiled in another supposed feud, this time with Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour. Last month, Wintour presented Campbell with an award but did so with a pointed remark about her tendency to be “often late.” Wintour, who left the event early for another engagement, handed the hosting duties over to *Harper’s Bazaar* Editor-in-Chief, Samira Nasr.

When Campbell took the stage to accept her award, she acknowledged her reputation for tardiness but seemed pleased that Nasr, rather than Wintour, was there to present her with the honor. “It wasn’t my choice to have the other lady. I’d much rather have this,” she quipped, adding a touch of humor to the situation.

For Campbell, moments like these seem to roll off her back. Her recent comments reflect a broader message about resisting the media's urge to sensationalize interactions between public figures, especially women.

The model has been vocal about the unique challenges that Black women in the industry face, often speaking out against narratives that aim to divide rather than uplift.

The high-fashion world, known for its drama and rivalries, often becomes a stage for these rumors. However, as Campbell and Rihanna have shown, it’s possible to rise above the noise. By choosing to focus on their roles as mothers and women in a demanding industry, they’re setting an example of resilience and unity.

In an industry where every gesture is scrutinized, Campbell’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity and the harm that baseless rumors can cause.

Naomi Campbell is a famous supermodel.

While Rihanna has not yet commented on the situation, her silence could well be a strategic decision. The singer has consistently defied expectations, building a multi-faceted empire that spans music, fashion, and beauty. Her focus on her work and her growing family speaks volumes, suggesting that she, like Campbell, may prefer to rise above petty dramas.

Campbell, a longtime fixture in the fashion world, is no stranger to the public’s fascination with her personal relationships. From her collaborations with top designers to her charitable work and outspoken advocacy, she has always embraced her role as a trailblazer.

By refusing to indulge in the latest round of rumors, Campbell reaffirms her commitment to moving beyond the drama, choosing instead to focus on her legacy and her family.

Ultimately, Campbell’s response highlights a broader issue within the media’s portrayal of successful women, particularly women of color. The tendency to frame interaction