Rihanna Defends Vogue Writer Who Admitted She Didn’t Have Time To Prepare Questions: “She’s Badass For That”

Last week, Rihanna dropped, yet, another Vogue cover and interview, in which she opened up about the growth of her Fenty Empire, the political climate in the United States, and her highly anticipated forthcoming album. However, the moment that sparked the most conversation – outside of Rihanna’s Donald Trump drag- was the writer’s audacity. 

“Normally, I bring a list of questions, but I didn’t have time to prepare one, which I make a split-second decision to confess,” the writer wrote in the cover story. “‘I’m winging it, so you have to help me,” she explained to the Bajan songstress, which in turn led to an online uproar over the writer’s alleged lack of preparation and unmitigated gall to not only reveal it to the superstar, but also write it in the column. 

“If you hear something that’s me and Leonardo Dicaprio both screaming,” one user wrote, sharing a highlighted screenshot of the text. “Privilege is being able to show up to an interview unprepared with one of the world’s biggest stars with no questions written, admit it to said star, write it in the story and the editor letting the line go to print because no one is concerned it will make anyone question your ability to do your job,” Sylvia Obell said. 

However, after hours of backlash and anger, the writer Abby Aguirre took to Twitter to set the record straight, revealing that the entire ordeal was a last-minute moment, and her admission was shared as a moment of vulnerability.

“I had literally no notice,” she said. “The point was to convey how nerve-wracking this was, given my deep, bordering on psychotic reverence for Rihanna.” 

“Guys, I was driving to Trader Joes in sweat pants when I got the call and literally had to flip a bitch,” she continued, as she added that she only had time to shower and change before she was set to meet the Badgal herself. “I research my subjects to death. Especially Rihanna. I appreciate the anger behind the reaction, but this is a misunderstanding, for which I take full responsibility.” 

Although Aguirre’s explanation failed to ease tensions for fans and journalists alike, Rihanna praised Aguirre for her ability to “wing it” on the fly. 

“No, no, no, no. That’s gangster,” Rihanna told WWD, in response to a question about her alleged unpreparedness. “For you to get a call the day before being like, ‘Hey, Rihanna’s in LA, you wanna do this?’ And show up on the dime and write an incredible article that I’m really proud of and enjoyed reading? She’s badass for that.” 

“If you don’t have to prepare, girl, you’re gangster,” she added.