Often, when very famous women go through very public divorces, a freeze-frame moment or object makes its way front-and-center to become a sort of pop culture shorthand, a totem representing our heroine emerging triumphant from the split. Nicole Kidman had her parking lot fist pump moment. Princess Diana had the revenge dress. Sophie Turner had all those dinners with Taylor Swift. And now, Natalie Portman has the concrete knowledge that Rihanna thinks she’s a bad bitch.
Portman, who finalized her divorce from husband Benjamin Millepied in February after 11 years of marriage, appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Monday and discussed how a chance interaction with the “Diamonds” singer in January helped her during a tough time.
“I think every woman going through a divorce should get to have Rihanna say to her that she's a bad bitch,” Portman said.
She and Rihanna were filmed fangirling over one another and hugging outside a Paris Fashion Week show, an interaction that Portman told host Jimmy Fallon is “a formative moment in my life.”
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
“I love you,” Portman tells Rihanna in the clip as the two squeal and hug.
“I’m a fucking fan,” Rihanna responds. “You are one of the hottest bitches in Hollywood.”
“Excuse me? I’m gonna faint,” an overwhelmed Portman replies, hand to heart. “I’m gonna black out. I love you and I listen to your music all the time, you’re such a queen, thank you!”
Rihanna then asks for a picture of the two. When Rihanna wants a picture, you take a picture, and if you’re Natalie Portman, you share it on Instagram with the caption “Still not over this.” Which, fair.
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Discussing the interaction with Fallon, Portman revealed, “It was exactly what I needed.”
More Great Stories From Vanity Fair
Kamala Harris on the Challenge of Being First
Peter Thiel, J.D. Vance, and the Dangerous Dance of the New Right
The Dark Origins of the True-Crime Frenzy at CrimeCon
The Biggest Snubs and Surprises of the 2024 Emmy Nominations
Looking for Love in the Hamptons? Buy a Ticket for the Luxury Bus.
Palace Insiders on the Monarchy’s Difficult Year
The Best TV Shows of 2024, So Far
Listen Now: VF’s Still Watching Podcast Dissects House of the Dragon