Natalie Portman recently shared how a brief interaction with Rihanna provided her with much-needed support during her divorce. The Oscar-winning actress expressed gratitude for Rihanna's words, describing them as "formative" and "exactly what I needed."
Natalie Portman has opened up about how a chance encounter with Rihanna during a difficult time in her life provided her with unexpected inspiration. On a recent appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon," the actress spoke candidly about her divorce from Benjamin Millepied for the first time, sharing how a brief exchange with the "Umbrella" singer had a profound impact on her.
Portman and Rihanna had their first encounter in January outside the Dior Haute Couture show during Paris Fashion Week. A video of the two women interacting went viral online, capturing the moment they showered each other with compliments. The exchange resonated with many, particularly women who had experienced similar life events.
Natalie Portman Praises Rihanna's Empowering Words During Divorce
"It was an amazing experience for me," Portman told Fallon. "I think every woman going through a divorce should get to have Rihanna say to her that she's a ‘bad b----.’"
Portman filed for divorce from Millepied, a dancer and choreographer whom she met on the set of her 2010 film "Black Swan" in July 2023. The divorce was finalized in March 2024, according to People magazine. Rumors of infidelity plagued the couple prior to their split.
Natalie Portman Praises Rihanna's Empowering Words During Divorce
"It was exactly what I needed," Portman said of the Rihanna interaction, before Fallon rolled the tape of the two meeting.
In the video, Portman can be heard enthusiastically stating to the "Stay" singer, "I love you" as they embrace.
Natalie Portman Praises Rihanna's Empowering Words During Divorce
"I am a f---ing fan," Rihanna fired back, leaving Portman visibly taken aback.
"Are you kidding me?" Portman replied.
Natalie Portman Praises Rihanna's Empowering Words During Divorce
"You are one of the hottest b----es in Hollywood. Forever," Rihanna professed, leaving Portman visibly touched.
"I'm gonna faint," Portman declared, overwhelmed by Rihanna's unexpected admiration.
"You do the most innocent look, and I'm like ‘Ahh,’" Rihanna added. "I don't get excited about anybody, but I f---ing love you."
"It was a formative moment in my life," Portman told Fallon, after she watched the video back.
Portman reiterated the same sentiment on the "Today Show with Hoda & Jenna," expressing her gratitude to Rihanna for her unexpected words of support during a challenging time.
"It was really exactly what I needed at that moment in my life," she told Hoda Kotb and Justin Sylvester. "And she served it to me. And I'm forever grateful. I love her… She is the hottest."
Rihanna's words of empowerment resonated with Portman, who described them as a "formative" experience in her journey through divorce. The interaction underscored the importance of female camaraderie and support, particularly during difficult life transitions.
