For months, Natalie Portman waited for her divorce to be finalized. During this turbulent time, it seems no one could lift the actress’s spirits quite like Rihanna.
A few weeks before their eleventh wedding anniversary, French media reported in June 2023 that Benjamin Millepied, 47, allegedly cheated on his wife, Natalie Portman, 43, with a 25-year-old woman. According to the US magazine “People,” the Oscar winner filed for divorce from the ballet dancer just a month later. Their marriage was officially declared over on March 8, 2024.
“Pivotal Moment”: Her Meeting with Rihanna Lifted Natalie Portman
As if her husband’s betrayal wasn’t painful enough, Natalie Portman faced public scrutiny over her marital crisis multiple times last year. In a “Vanity Fair” interview published in mid-February 2024, the actress condemned the speculation surrounding her marriage: “It’s terrible, and I have no desire to contribute to it.” Millepied and Portman share two children.
In the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” late-night show on Monday, July 15, the “Black Swan” star spoke for the first time about her high-profile divorce. Just in mid-January – a month and a half before her divorce was finalized – the actress met Rihanna, 36, during Paris Fashion Week.
Photographer Stephane Feugere shared the sweet moment on Instagram when the global stars enthusiastically embraced. “I love you. […] I listen to your music all the time. You are such a queen!” Portman told the singer, to which the “Diamonds” singer replied, “You are one of the hottest bitches in Hollywood. […] I’m a fucking fan.” Rihanna then asked for a photo together, explaining that she rarely gets excited when meeting other celebrities.
In an interview with host Jimmy Kimmel, 56, Natalie Portman still gushed months later about her encounter with the musician: “It was an incredible experience for me.” Rihanna’s encouraging words reminded the film star of her self-worth. “I think every woman going through a divorce should have Rihanna tell her she’s a hot bitch. It was exactly what I needed,” Portman emphasized on the show, as reported by “Us Weekly.” She even described their meeting as “a pivotal moment in my life.”
“That’s Exactly What I Needed at This Moment in My Life”
A few hours before her appearance on the late-night show, Natalie Portman was a guest on the “Today” talk show, where she was also asked about the viral moment with Rihanna. “That’s the confidence boost of my life. And that’s exactly what I needed at this moment in my life, and she gave it to me, and I am forever grateful to her,” the mother of two explained.
Natalie Portman says her recent run-in with Rihanna @rihanna was exactly what she needed!
— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) July 15, 2024
"It's the confidence boost of a lifetime," Portman told Hoda and @enews' Justin Sylvester. pic.twitter.com/0CcoYG9CCE
In an April interview with the fashion magazine “L’Officiel,” Portman also spoke about how much Rihanna’s validation meant to her: “It was like a dream. I’ve been a huge fan of hers for so long. Her music means so much to me, and I was so excited to see her […] So it was a huge compliment that she was so nice to me. It was a very memorable moment in life. […] I appreciate her talent and artistry so much, and it has significantly enriched my life.” How wonderful to see that even superstars like Natalie Portman can still be so deeply impressed.
