Rihanna’s “Bad Bitch” Comment Helped Natalie Portman With Her Divorce

Being called a “bad bitch” isn’t what many might call uplifting but actress Natalie Portman says it helped her pull through her divorce.

The Star Wars actress shared a memorable interaction with the Fenty business owner during an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. During Paris Fashion Week, Rihanna apparently referred to Portman as “one of the hottest bitches in Hollywood.”

“It was an amazing experience for me,” the 43-year-old said. “I think every woman going through a divorce should get to have Rihanna say to her that she’s a bad bitch.” 

“It was exactly what I needed… It was a formative moment in my life,” she added.

The video of the interaction between Portman and Rihanna has been uploaded on X with over 10 million views. During the 43-second clip, Rihanna could be heard telling Portman, “I love you. I am a fucking fan.”

Rihanna continued, “You are one of the hottest bitches in Hollywood forever. … I don’t get excited about anybody, but I fucking love you.”

Caught off-guard, Portman lets Rihanna give her a hug before the two pose for the press.

In another guest appearance, Portman shared, “Listen, it’s the confidence boost of a lifetime.”

“It was really exactly what I needed at that moment in my life and she served it to me, and I’m forever grateful. I love her,” she told hosts of the Today show Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager.

In July 2023, Portman began divorce proceedings with Benjamin Millepied. Her ex was rumored to be having an affair. 

When asked about the affair, Portman remained tight-lipped. “It’s terrible, and I have no desire to contribute to it,” she said to Vanity Fair in February.

Millepied was Portman’s first husband. The couple was married for 11 years and have two children together. The two met on the set of Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan. The multi-awarded production tells the story of a young ballerina played by Portman who hopes to win the lead role in Swan Lake. Aside from being the movie’s choreographer, Millepied played the role of David Moreau/Prince Siegfried.

In February 2011, Portman was named Best Actress by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. When she accepted the award onstage, she was already visibly pregnant with Millepied’s child. They welcomed baby Aleph later that year and married in 2012.