Rihanna‘s recent appearance as a sexy nun on the spring cover of Interview Magazine has stirred controversy, with some accusing the singer of disrespecting Christians and Catholics.
The magazine’s issue, titled ‘Rihanna Is Ready To Confess,’ features the Barbadian-born superstar, 36, donning a black and white habit with an unbuttoned blouse, revealing her cleavage.
Paired with heavy makeup, including light blue eyeshadow, red lips, and a small cross drawn on her cheek, the ensemble sparked backlash from certain religious groups.
Rihanna for the Spring 2024 issue of Interview Mag. pic.twitter.com/HLSKTD0Woo
— Brooklyn White-Grier (@brooklynrwhite) April 9, 2024
Critics voiced their concerns, with one remarking: “All of these big stars have been at full force mocking God in some form or fashion, especially over the last few years. It’s sickening.”
Another individual added: “It is mockery and disrespectful. It’s not even cute or sexy! As a supposed believer, she should know better.”
INTERVIEW. spring 2024 cover. pic.twitter.com/APuDuA1o24
— Rihanna (@rihanna) April 9, 2024
However, many people leapt to the ‘S&M‘ singer’s defense, saying that she has the right to express herself freely. “Can you guys stop canceling people for 5 minutes?” one supporter wrote. Others pointed out that similar styles have been embraced by celebrities like Madonna in the past.
Despite the backlash, Rihanna has previously spoken about her Christian faith and the role it plays in her life. In a 2019 interview with Interview Magazine, she revealed that she prays every morning and has been a person of faith since childhood.
“My first time praying and fasting was when I was 7 years old. I did that on my own, because I wanted to go to New York, and I knew that this was a sacrifice I had to make in order for God to make sure I could get there,” she said at the time.
In her latest interview, Rihanna opened up about her relationship with rapper A$AP Rocky, highlighting their mutual support for each other’s careers.
“We’ve known each other for a long time. I’ve seen him in relationships. He’s seen me in relationships. We’ve seen each other outside of relationships. We knew what we’re capable of, and the trouble that we could bring to each other’s lives,” the ‘Disturbia‘ singer admitted.
“We can make or break each other’s hearts. And so, we started dating with a lot of caution. It was just, ‘This is a flower. It’s either going to die or blossom. But I’m going to let it decide itself,’” she said.
What do you think of Rihanna’s nun photoshoot? Do you feel it’s disrespectful, or do you believe that everyone has the right to express themselves freely? Let us know in the comments!