Rihanna seemingly shades Tyla after awkward Met Gala moment
After Tyla spoke out about a recent encounter with Rihanna, the 'Umbrella' singer did something that social media users are calling major shade.
A war has broken out on social media between Tyla and Rihanna's fans after a video of the singers at the Met Gala went viral.
Earlier this week, Rihanna was accused of snubbing Tyla while the pair waited for their cars after the gala, which was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
In the clip, Tyla is standing awkwardly to the side as Riri chats to someone, seemingly oblivious to the 'Water' hitmaker's existence.
Rihanna's partner A$AP Rocky is in the background talking to a group of women. The 'Umbrella' singer appears upset, but the video offers little clarity about what is happening.
Tyla and Rihanna eventually leave the venue without interacting.
Rihanna completely ignored Tyla and got angry at A$AP Rocky after she caught them flirting earlier at the Met Gala.
— Arizona 🗣️🗣️ (@braveguyy) May 6, 2026
Reports say she almost stormed out of the event because A$AP Rocky didn’t respect her, as he was also seen flirting with a mysterious woman in the video.
Tyla was… pic.twitter.com/qSg6Swshpr
Social media users dissected the 40-second encounter, with many accusing Rihanna of snubbing the 24-year-old.
Others felt sad on Tyla's behalf, especially because she had spoken about her love for the Barbadian singer in several interviews.
Some also came to Rihanna's defence, saying that she was just tired and wanted to leave to get back to her three children: RZA, Riot and Rocki.
Many believed that Rihanna was upset with A$AP Rocky and probably didn't even notice Tyla.
"Rihanna was too busy watching her man flirt with another woman; she was never going to entertain that Tyla," an X user said.
Tyla took to social media to explain what really happened. She reveals that she did not approach Rihanna as she looked busy and did not want to bother her.
The Grammy award-winner adds that she actually met Rihanna at another event last year. During that encounter, she managed to say hi to the mother of three, who returned the greeting.
However, they did not talk any further as Rihanna had to rush off.
Tyla says she hopes to one day get to have a proper conversation with her idol.
"If we do end up speaking ever, I want it to be like calm, so we both can just vibe," she said.
Tyla on meeting Rihanna at the Met Gala:
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 6, 2026
“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.” pic.twitter.com/VuF8MjuPG3
That appeared to be the end of the drama, until Rihanna shared a recap video of her night at the Met Gala.
Rihanna used Ayra Starr's 'Who's Dat Girl' in the clip. The song choice did not go unnoticed.
Social media users believe that RiRi chose that specific track to shade Tyla as irrelevant.
"At this point, I think the tyla snub was intentional," an X user said.
Another user added: "It was, and she is making it very clear."
Surprisingly, Tyla and Ayra have known each other for a few years and collaborated on a song called 'Girl Next Door' in 2023.
Rihanna's post has sparked a fiery debate among fans of all three singers.
Some have called Tyla disrespectful for discussing the Met Gala moment online, while others expressed disappointment in Rihanna's alleged shady behaviour.
Several people also shared fake Instagram stories claiming Ayra clapped back at Tyla after she allegedly unfollowed her.
Despite the claims, the pair still follow each other on Instagram. Tyla also still follows Rihanna, who uses the name @badgalriri. The 'Lift Me Up' singer follows Ayra but not Tyla.
The social media police called for people to stop making assumptions about the situation.
"Tyla explained the viral Rihanna clip, and it’s wholesome af. No snub, just awkward idol moment."
All this drama, and we're over here just hoping that Ayra, Tyla and Rihanna team up on a song together!
Tyla explained the viral Rihanna clip and it’s wholesome af. No snub, just awkward idol moment. pic.twitter.com/s9iCrW9MYu
— Michelle (@It_michii) May 7, 2026
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Image credit: Instagram/@tyla