Tyla Opens Up About That Awkward Moment With Rihanna at the Met Gala

A viral moment from the 2026 Met Gala has gotten a full explanation from Tyla. The clip, which circulated online this week, captured the 24-year-old artist standing in the background while Rihanna spoke with a reporter on the red carpet, sparking speculation among viewers about why the two didn't interact.

Tyla decided to set the record straight by posting a video on TikTok, walking through the backstory of her connection with Rihanna. She expressed her admiration for the Barbadian superstar, noting that they had crossed paths previously. According to Tyla's account, when she attempted to greet Rihanna at that earlier meeting, the artist was preoccupied with an urgent matter.

"She was like, 'Hey, um, my baby daddy's calling me.' And then she left," Tyla recounted, describing how she felt in that moment. The interaction left her feeling somewhat uncomfortable at the time, though she acknowledged that Rihanna likely had legitimate reasons for stepping away.

Looking ahead, Tyla expressed her hopes for any future encounters with Rihanna. She emphasized wanting their next interaction to unfold in a relaxed setting where both could engage in genuine conversation without the pressures of a crowded event or competing demands on their attention.