Jay-Z’s past has been filled with headlines, controversies, and rumors—especially about his marriage to Beyoncé. Over the years, there have been whispers and allegations about his unfaithfulness.
Many women, some famous and others not, have been linked to his name. But despite all the drama, Beyoncé and Jay-Z have fought through it together, showing the world that even the most famous couples go through tough times. Here’s a closer look at their journey from a power couple to a power family.
The Beginning of Their Love Story
Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s relationship started in 2002. They were young and quickly grew close, but they managed to keep their romance out of the spotlight, despite their rising fame.
They dated for six years before getting married in a very private ceremony on April 4, 2008, in Jay-Z’s Tribeca penthouse. Only a few close friends and family members attended the event, and it was described as a deeply spiritual occasion.
Even though they had tied the knot, Jay-Z was still reluctant to announce it. He even laughed off someone’s congratulations a few days after the ceremony.
But Beyoncé, in her bold style, wore a huge diamond ring to Jay-Z’s show in Atlanta, which was one of the first public signs of their marriage. Eventually, everyone found out. Their deep bond became clear through their music and public appearances.
The Trouble Begins
As the years went by and their careers soared, so did the rumors. The couple had to fight off many challenges, especially the constant speculation about Jay-Z’s infidelities. His partying lifestyle and rumors about his relationships with other women put a strain on their marriage.
Celebrating some bday @CocoPhilips @Sandrine013 @JessieVdBrande pic.twitter.com/bCbyQpe8
— Claudia Scheelen (@ClaudiaScheelen) July 1, 2012
First Rumored Mistress: Claudia Scheelen
In November 2013, the tabloids named a woman: Claudia Scheelen, a model turned retail manager. She was reportedly spotted partying with Jay-Z in Antwerp at Magic nightclub.
Close-Up shoot summer 16 pic.twitter.com/IXaZLUagvA
— Claudia Scheelen (@ClaudiaScheelen) April 27, 2016
Jay-Z allegedly bought a massive bottle of Ace of Spades champagne worth £5,000, and told Scheelen that the women in Antwerp were the most beautiful he had seen anywhere in the world.
Claudia quickly denied the rumors, posting on social media, “I was shocked when I saw my name mentioned in an article about Jay Z! The tabloids have used me as a topic for something that didn’t happen!” But despite her denial, the rumors about trouble in their marriage continued to spread.
The Elevator Incident
Then, in May 2014, things took a dramatic turn. A shocking video surfaced showing Beyoncé’s sister, Solange, attacking Jay-Z in an elevator after the Met Gala.
The footage quickly went viral, showing Solange angrily kicking and swinging at Jay-Z while Beyoncé stood by, looking uncomfortable.
The world was stunned, and speculation about their marriage’s state exploded.
In response to the viral video, the three of them—Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Solange—released a statement saying the incident was a private family matter. They assured everyone that they had worked through it.
“Families have problems and we’re no different,” they said in the joint statement. Both Jay-Z and Solange apologized to each other, and Beyoncé stood by them both. In fact, just two months later, Jay-Z and Beyoncé went on their “On the Run” tour together.
However, at this point, more rumors were about to surface.
Second Rumored Mistress: Casey Cohen
In June 2014, reality TV star Casey Cohen was linked to Jay-Z. Cohen, who appeared on the show Princesses: Long Island, quickly denied the rumors and hired a lawyer to send a cease-and-desist letter to the tabloids.
Cohen claimed she had met Jay-Z and Beyoncé several times, but it was only for professional reasons related to her job as a VIP hostess in New York City. Despite her statements, the rumors persisted, and the couple’s relationship continued to make headlines.
The Separation Rumors
By July 2014, more rumors started to circulate about the couple’s marriage. There were whispers that they were considering separating, although they hadn’t made any official decisions yet.
The pressure of their public life and their upcoming On the Run tour added to the strain. One source claimed that they had been seen without their wedding rings, further fueling the speculation.
However, there was no official separation, and instead, the couple channeled their emotions through their music.
Beyoncé’s Heartfelt Album: “Lemonade”
In 2016, Beyoncé released her emotional album Lemonade, which seemed to address the rumors and her feelings about Jay-Z’s alleged infidelities.
The album, full of raw emotion, had one line that stood out: “He only want me when I’m not there, He better call Becky with the good hair.” Fans and media quickly picked up on this, trying to figure out who “Becky” was.
The Becky Mystery
Two women in particular were targeted in the media as the possible “Becky.” One of them was fashion designer Rachel Roy.
She had been linked to Jay-Z in past rumors, and things got worse when she posted a now-deleted message on social media that seemed to reference Beyoncé’s song.
The post read: “Good hair don’t care, but we will take good lighting, for selfies, or self truths, always. Live in the light #nodramaqueens.”
This message only added fuel to the fire. Beyoncé’s fans reacted strongly, with one user tweeting, “Rachel Roy just became the most hated woman in the world.”
Roy later tried to explain herself on Twitter, writing, “I respect love, marriages, families, and strength. What shouldn’t be tolerated by anyone, no matter what, is bullying, of any kind.” Beyoncé never officially confirmed who “Becky” was, but the speculation continued.
A Family, Not Just a Power Couple
Despite everything, Jay-Z and Beyoncé have fought hard to stay together. Their love for each other, their family, and their music has been strong enough to survive the rumors and challenges. Through the ups and downs, they’ve proved that they are more than just a famous couple—they are a family.
Their journey has shown the world that no matter how difficult things get, love, forgiveness, and dedication can keep a family strong. Their story isn’t just about the public’s perception or the rumors—it’s about their resilience, their ability to face challenges together, and their deep connection.
As they continue to grow as individuals and as a family, Beyoncé and Jay-Z remain one of the most powerful couples in the world, showing that no matter how many bumps are on the road, love is the most important thing that will keep them going.
Rita Ora was another name that got caught up in the rumors surrounding Jay-Z’s alleged affairs, and it wasn’t long before she became part of the “Becky” controversy.
The drama began after she wore a pin with the words “Not Becky” at the Met Ball after-party in 2016. The rumor mill went wild, and many wondered if she was secretly Jay-Z’s mistress.
But Rita didn’t stay quiet for long. She addressed the gossip in an interview with Vanity Fair later that year, firmly denying any involvement with Jay-Z. She explained that the “Not Becky” pin was a gift from her friend, Katy Perry. “I have a huge amount of respect for Jay-Z and Beyoncé,” Rita said.
“Jay-Z is my inspiration and one of my idols—lyrically, musically, and business-wise. I still look up to him and his wife every day. Beyoncé was one of my biggest idols growing up.” Despite the rumors, Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s bond only seemed to strengthen.
Their marriage survived all the drama, and in fact, their relationship thrived in the years following the scandal. In February 2017, Beyoncé made an announcement that changed everything—she was pregnant with twins!
Later that year, Jay-Z released his album 4:44, where he poured his heart out and apologized for the hurt he had caused, specifically acknowledging his mistakes in his marriage. In the title track, he sang, “I apologize to all the women whom I toyed with your emotions, ‘Cause I was emotionless.”
The song showed the depth of his regret, and fans could feel the weight of his words.
In a revealing interview with Dean Baquet for The New York Times in 2017, Jay-Z opened up about the emotional toll of his actions and how they affected his marriage. “Most people walk away… the hardest thing is seeing pain on someone’s face that you caused, and then have to deal with yourself,” he said.
“And so you walk away.” Jay-Z’s honesty was striking. But despite the pain, they didn’t split. In fact, things seemed to settle between them, at least publicly. In 2018, the power couple even released a joint album titled Everything Is Love, under the artist name, The Carters.
It was a musical celebration of their unity.
Beyoncé continued to show her love and dedication to her family in her music. In 2022, she released Renaissance, dedicating the entire album to her family, and especially to Jay-Z. One of the tracks, “Plastic Off the Sofa,” included the lyrics: “And I know nobody’s perfect, so I’ll let you be, I’ll let you be.”
These words reflected the couple’s ability to move past their struggles, but their past was always present in their music. In 2024, Beyoncé ventured into country music with her own version of Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene.”
The lyrics in her version said, “You’re beautiful beyond compare, takes more than beauty and seductive stares, to come between a family and a happy man. […] I raised that man, I raised his kids, I know my man better than he knows himself.”
Whether this was a direct reference to their past struggles or something new, it was clear that the couple had endured a lot together. Despite the rumors and challenges, they had remained strong and united.
As of 2024, Jay-Z and Beyoncé were still raising their three children together, and their bond seemed unbreakable. Their eldest child, Blue Ivy, was even making waves of her own.
On December 26, 2024, Blue Ivy made a stunning appearance at Beyoncé’s Christmas Day Halftime Show, making it a true family affair. The performance, streamed on Netflix during the NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans, lasted nearly 13 minutes and featured songs from Beyoncé’s latest album, Cowboy Carter.
During the show, Blue Ivy joined her mother on stage for performances of “My House” and “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Their performance was a lively spectacle, complete with a marching band and a choreographed routine with a group of dancers.
Blue Ivy was glowing, matching Beyoncé’s dazzling Western theme with a white corset, fringed pants, heeled boots, and a diamond necklace. She also wore a red, white, and blue sash that read “Cowboy Carter.”
Beyoncé, looking just as fierce, wore a silver-studded bodysuit, fringe-trimmed chaps, and sparkling sequined boots. Both mother and daughter completed their looks with white cowboy hats, showing off their coordinated outfits and their strong family connection.
Although Jay-Z was not part of the performance, he had been seen with the family just a few days earlier at the premiere of Disney’s Mufasa, where they presented a united front.
Together, the Carters continue to reign in the entertainment world, reminding everyone that they are not just a power couple but a power family.
They’ve had their fair share of struggles and rumors, but through it all, they’ve stuck together. Today, they are not just a musical force; they are a family that has faced the challenges of fame, love, and life, and emerged even stronger.
