Natalie Portman Explains How Rihanna Helped Her Heal After Divorce

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Natalie Portman Recalls Rihanna’s Kind PraisesNBC - Getty Images

If you’re having a bad week, hearing Rihanna sing your praises would certainly be a mood booster.

Back in January, both Rihanna and Natalie Portman were among the starry attendees who sat front row at the Christian Dior Haute Couture SS24 show in Paris, and a viral moment captured behind the scenes saw Rihanna telling Portman how much she loved her.

At the time, Portman was quietly going through a divorce from husband Benjamin Millepied, and in a new interview with Jimmy Fallon, the May December actor revealed how much the moment meant to her.

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'It was an amazing experience for me,' she said. 'I think every woman going through a divorce should get to have Rihanna say to her that she’s a bad b*tch...It was a formative moment in my life.'

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Dave Benett - Getty Images

During their interaction, which can be seen here, RiRi is seen fangirling over Portman. 'I am a f*cking fan,' she says to the Oscar winner. 'You are one of the hottest b*tches in Hollywood, forever.'

As Portman sends the love right back, Rihanna goes: 'Can somebody take a picture so I can remember this tomorrow?' And to really add to the love, the singer adds, 'Yo, I don’t get excited about anybody. But like, I f*ckin’ love you.'

Portman talked about the same moment on Today with Hoda and Jenna, saying: 'It was really exactly what I needed at that moment in my life, and she served it to me, and I am forever grateful. I love her.'

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Unique Nicole - Getty Images

Portman and Millepied first met on the set of Black Swan in 2009, where Millepied was hired as a choreographer. They welcomed two kids — son Aleph, 13, and daughter Amalia, 7— and married in 2012. In July 2023, Portman filed for divorce, and the divorce was finalised in February of this year.


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