Natalie Portman Reveals Rihanna's Words Helped Her Power Through Divorce: ‘It Was Exactly What I Needed’

Natalie Portman recently opened up about the surprising impact Rihanna had on her as she navigated her publicized divorce from Benjamin Millepied. During an appearance on "The Tonight Show," the "Black Swan" star shared how an unexpected encounter with the pop icon during Paris Fashion Week became a pivotal moment in her life.

The two A-listers crossed paths at a fashion event in January, and their interaction quickly caught media attention. In a now-viral video from the event, Rihanna can be heard praising Portman, calling her “one of the hottest b!tches in Hollywood forever.”

The warmth and confidence behind Rihanna's compliment struck a chord with Portman, who was going through a challenging time.

It was exactly what I needed. It was a formative moment in my life.

Reflecting on the exchange, Portman confessed on the show, “Every woman going through a divorce should get to have Rihanna say to her that she’s a bad b!tch. It was exactly what I needed. It was a formative moment in my life.” The actress went on to explain that Rihanna's words offered her a sense of empowerment she hadn’t anticipated.

The “May December” star’s disclosure is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time she’s publicly spoken about her split from Millepied, a French dancer and choreographer. The two, who met on the set of “Black Swan” in 2009, share two children: Aleph, 13, and Amalia, 7.

Portman and Millepied finalized their divorce in February, following rumors in the French media about Millepied’s alleged affair with environmental activist Camille Étienne. While these reports were never substantiated, they added fuel to the fire surrounding the couple's separation.

Portman and Millepied finalized their divorce in February

Earlier this year, Portman gave a hint at the strain of her private life in an interview with Vanity Fair, where she addressed the media’s relentless focus on her love life. “It’s terrible, and I have no desire to contribute to it,” Portman said at the time.

When interviewer Keziah Weir admitted feeling uncomfortable asking about the divorce, Portman added, “I can imagine.” Despite her hesitation, she remains candid about the challenges of being in the public eye.

Since her split, Portman has also been making headlines for her budding friendship with fellow actor Paul Mescal. The two were spotted together in London, sparking rumors of a potential romance.

However, in an interview with The Guardian, Portman set the record straight, indicating that her relationship with Mescal is rooted in mutual admiration and respect. “I’m very in awe of his talent,” she shared, dismissing the rumors of a romantic connection.

Meanwhile, Mescal, set to star in “Gladiator II” this fall, is rumored to be dating musician Gracie Abrams, though neither has publicly confirmed the relationship.

In the wake of her divorce, Portman has chosen to focus on her career and her personal growth, finding unexpected allies like Rihanna along the way. For many fans, Portman’s recent revelation has only made her more relatable.

As she navigates the complexities of life post-divorce, her openness and vulnerability are winning her new fans and admiration from those who have followed her storied career.

Whether or not Portman and Rihanna’s brief encounter blossoms into a deeper friendship remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Rihanna’s words provided Portman with a boost of confidence precisely when she needed it most, reinforcing the power of solidarity and support among women.