The celebrity world loves a good rivalry, and few have simmered as long or as publicly as the tension between Rihanna and Kendall Jenner. From subtle side-eyes at fashion shows to pointed social media moments, Rihanna has never been shy about her feelings toward the model. Now, whispers from sources close to the singer suggest she’s finally opening up about why she views Kendall as the “evil” one among the Kardashian sisters—pointing to a mix of personal history, perceived arrogance, and deeper issues around privilege, cultural respect, and hard-earned success versus handed opportunities.
It all traces back to 2012, when a then-16-year-old Kendall tweeted that she’d be “very upset” if Rihanna didn’t perform her favorite song “Complicated” at a show. Rihanna fired back sharply: “Well don’t come.” What some saw as harmless fangirling felt like entitlement to Rihanna, setting an early tone of friction. The bad blood escalated in 2015 when Rihanna pulled out of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show after her friend Jordan Dunn was reportedly replaced by Kendall. Jordan tweeted relief that Rihanna wasn’t participating either, and fans praised Rihanna for standing in solidarity. Though her team cited album work, the timing spoke volumes.
Things heated up further in 2018 when Kendall, in a Love magazine interview, described being “super selective” about shows and dismissed doing “30 shows a season or whatever the f those girls do.” The comment landed poorly amid accusations of nepotism, especially after she was named the highest-paid model over veterans like Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima, and Naomi Campbell. Critics highlighted how Kendall’s family name opened doors that others fought tooth and nail for. That same year, she received the “Fashion Icon of the Decade” award at New York Fashion Week at just 21—something many felt paled next to Rihanna’s trailblazing career, from Met Gala dominance to Fenty’s inclusive revolution.
Rihanna didn’t stay silent. At the 2018 Met Gala, sources claimed she shaded Kendall’s figure, saying something like, “Good thing I have the curves to pull this outfit off. I would hate to be a stick figure,” before laughing and walking away. In 2022, she was caught making an unimpressed “stank face” during Kendall’s runway walk, with A$AP Rocky by her side—fueling memes and speculation. Fans noted the couple’s expressions when Kendall passed, interpreting it as clear disdain.
Personal history adds layers. Kendall and A$AP Rocky were linked romantically around 2016-2017, spotted together in cities worldwide and getting cozy at Coachella. A Snapchat from Kim showed them making out, confirming the fling. At the time, Rihanna and Rocky were friends, but sources say she felt “territorial.” Combined with Kendall’s past association with Chris Brown—Rihanna’s ex who assaulted her in 2009—this built resentment. Recent reports suggest Rihanna has used her influence (and Rocky’s Met Gala committee role) to push for excluding the Kardashians from the 2025 event, settling old scores.
Beyond romance, sources say Rihanna sees Kendall as a “culture vulture”—someone who benefits from appropriating elements of Black and other cultures without genuine understanding or struggle. The Kardashians have faced similar accusations for years, from hairstyles to business ventures. Kendall’s 818 Tequila brand drew backlash from Mexican communities for allegedly whitewashing tequila culture—claiming it’s “authentic” from Jalisco while knowing little about agave production or traditions, then serving it with ice (a faux pas to purists). Critics argue she profits off others’ labor and heritage while crediting her name. Rihanna, who built Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty from the ground up with inclusivity at the core, reportedly resents this. She’s banned Kendall from her shows despite inviting friends like Gigi and Bella Hadid, seeing it as a stand against inauthenticity.
Kendall’s reputation for arrogance doesn’t help. She’s been called out for rudeness—like a Nobu hostess describing her as cold and having others speak for her—and body-shaming incidents, including alleged jabs at Selena Gomez. Rihanna, known for her authenticity and clapbacks, appears to view Kendall as embodying entitlement: no real grind, just privilege, and a tendency to disrespect boundaries or cultures.
Fans are split. Some cheer Rihanna for calling out what they see as fake progress in fashion and beauty, praising her self-made empire against nepotism. Others defend Kendall, arguing the shade goes too far and that everyone has privilege in different ways. Rihanna hasn’t directly confirmed every detail, but her actions—from excluding Kendall to visible disdain—speak loudly.
This feud highlights bigger conversations in entertainment: who earns their spot versus who inherits it, cultural respect versus appropriation, and how personal grudges play out publicly. Rihanna’s success came from talent, resilience, and breaking barriers; Kendall’s from visibility and family backing. Whether reconciliation ever happens seems unlikely—Rihanna’s loyalty to her principles runs deep. The drama keeps fans hooked, wondering if the next runway or red carpet will bring fresh shade. In Hollywood’s spotlight, some rivalries never fade—they just evolve.
