Tyla is clearing the air after one of the most viral post–Met Gala moments of 2026. In a TikTok posted on Wednesday, the South African star addressed the circulating clip that appeared to show Rihanna brushing past her at the event, offering a candid — and notably lighthearted — explanation of what actually happened.
“I met her, but I think she was occupied,” Tyla said in the video. “I went up to her and was like, ‘Oh hey, you know,’ and she was like, ‘Hey, um… my baby daddy’s calling me,’ and then she left. I was like, oop!” The comment quickly reframed a narrative that had dominated social media in the days following the Met Gala, where speculation around a perceived snub had spread rapidly across platforms.
That speculation began on May 4, when both artists attended the Met Gala under the “Costume Art” theme and “Fashion Is Art” dress code. Tyla drew widespread praise for her iridescent Valentino gown, a “mermaid-core” look built on aquatic tones and crystal detailing that positioned her as one of the night’s breakout fashion figures. Rihanna, meanwhile, returned with a custom Maison Margiela ensemble described as an oyster-inspired construction.
After the night, a brief clip showing Rihanna moving past Tyla without acknowledgment circulated widely, sparking theories of tension — particularly given Tyla’s repeated references to Rihanna as a key inspiration. Online discourse escalated quickly, with fans dissecting body language and surrounding interactions, including moments involving A$AP Rocky, to build out an assumed storyline.
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