Rihanna’s love life has long been under the microscope—from her whirlwind romances to her very public relationships, the Barbadian songstress has been linked with some of the biggest names in music and beyond.
One of her most closely watched relationships has been with A$AP Rocky, a connection that evolved from a long-standing friendship into a high-profile romance culminating in a growing young family. Naturally, given Rihanna’s history with high-profile exes like Chris Brown, Drake, and others, many have wondered: Did any of Rihanna’s exes react to her relationship with A$AP Rocky?
A Cautious Start and a Slow-Burn Romance
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s journey is often described as a “friends to lovers” story—a slow-burn romance that blossomed over time. The two first crossed paths on stage during the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards while rehearsing for a joint performance of “Cockiness (Love It).”
Despite early on-stage sparks (including a playful moment when Rocky even snuck in a backside grab), both kept their relationship in the realm of creative collaboration and friendship for several years. It wasn’t until 2019, after having grown up and navigated separate romantic histories, that the duo took the plunge and began dating.
The transition from friendship to romance was anything but rushed. In fact, Rihanna later described their early relationship as “cautious” and rooted in mutual respect. “We saw fashion the same.
We saw creative the same,” she told an interviewer, emphasizing that the foundation of their bond was built on shared interests and an understanding of each other’s worlds. By 2020, the couple was inseparable, going on country-wide road trips and even being spotted in Barbados over the holidays—an homage to Rihanna’s own Bajan roots.
The Spotlight on A$AP Rocky’s Trial and Family Life
The couple’s relationship has had its share of challenges, particularly when A$AP Rocky faced serious legal issues. In November 2021, Rocky—born Rakim Mayers—was charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm following an altercation in Hollywood.
Throughout the ensuing trial, Rihanna remained a steadfast pillar of support, accompanying him to court and standing by his side publicly. The intensity of the trial could have strained their relationship further, yet instead it appeared to bring them closer together.
When the jury found Rocky not guilty on February 18, 2024, his immediate reaction was to leap into Rihanna’s arms, a poignant moment that symbolized relief, unity, and resilience.
Their mutual support was not just limited to legal battles. The couple has since built a life together, welcoming two toddler sons—RZA Athelston Mayers and Riot Rose Mayers—into their family.
This journey from casual dating to co-parenting has been well documented by the media and serves as a testament to the maturity and commitment that both Rihanna and Rocky share.
The Question of Exes and Public Reactions
Given Rihanna’s storied romantic past, one might expect that her former partners would have something to say about her current relationship with A$AP Rocky.
Rihanna’s dating history includes high-profile figures such as Chris Brown, who she famously dated in the late 2000s and early 2010s, as well as a series of rumored romances with figures like Drake, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, and Saudi Arabian businessman Hassan Jameel.
On the other hand, A$AP Rocky himself has been linked to other names—although his own past relationships have generally been less documented in the public sphere.
When it comes to the question of whether any of Rihanna’s exes reacted to her relationship with Rocky, the public record tells an interesting story: there is little to no verified evidence that any of her former flames publicly commented on or expressed strong opinions about her new romance.
Unlike some celebrity breakups or new relationships that are often met with barbed remarks or social media firestorms, Rihanna’s current relationship seems to have quietly bypassed any overt public reaction from her exes.
There are a few factors that might explain this silence. First, the passage of time has a way of softening old wounds. Many of Rihanna’s earlier relationships ended years ago, and those past flames have seemingly moved on with their lives.
In today’s media landscape, where privacy is both a luxury and a rarity, former partners may choose to refrain from commenting publicly on current relationships—especially when those relationships are as positive and stable as the one between Rihanna and A$AP Rocky appears to be.
Furthermore, Rihanna herself has cultivated an image of grace and maturity when it comes to her personal life. In interviews, she has often stressed that she prefers to keep her past in the past and focus on the present and future.
This approach has not only helped her manage the intense public scrutiny that accompanies every romantic development but has also set a tone of respectful detachment.
When asked about her love life in various interviews, Rihanna’s answers have consistently emphasized growth, learning, and moving forward rather than dwelling on previous relationships or inviting comparisons.
Media Narratives Versus Reality
It is important to distinguish between media speculation and verified reactions. Headlines and tabloid stories thrive on drama, and the notion of an ex launching a public diatribe against a new partner makes for compelling reading.
However, in the case of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, the narrative is different. The couple’s relationship, built on years of mutual understanding and shared challenges, has not incited any public backlash from former partners.
While social media is rife with fan theories and speculative comments—some suggesting that a particular ex might have been “silent” as a sign of disapproval—there is no concrete evidence to support these claims.
In interviews and official statements, neither Rihanna nor any of her former partners have confirmed that there was any friction or dramatic reaction related to her relationship with A$AP Rocky. Instead, the focus has remained on the couple’s unity and their collaborative journey through personal trials and public challenges.
A Testament to Personal Growth and Resilience
Rihanna’s evolution as an artist and as a person is mirrored in the way she handles her relationships. From the turbulent days of her early romances to the more considered and deliberate approach seen in her relationship with A$AP Rocky, there is a clear narrative of growth and self-discovery.
The absence of public reactions from her exes is perhaps a reflection of the natural progression of life—where old chapters close quietly, making way for new beginnings without the need for public vindication or criticism.
In many ways, the quiet acceptance from her former partners (or their decision not to comment) speaks volumes about the mutual respect that often characterizes successful personal growth. Rihanna and her exes have all moved forward, and the lack of negative public reaction to her relationship with Rocky underscores a broader cultural shift in how former relationships are perceived.
Instead of engaging in a blame game or a war of words, the focus has shifted to celebrating new love and the journey of building a family, even amid life’s challenges.
