LOS ANGELES – Grammy-winning singer Rihanna, known for her bold personality and social media presence, recently took to Instagram to joke about voting in the 2024 U.S. election. Although Rihanna, a Barbados-born artist and entrepreneur, cannot vote as she is not a U.S. citizen, she encouraged her fans to head to the polls. Her humorous post drew a wave of responses, both supportive and critical.
Rihanna's Voting Post Sparks Social Media Frenzy
In an Instagram video posted on Monday, the "Umbrella" singer shared a lighthearted moment, joking that she might try to vote illegally using her son’s passport. She captioned the post, “POV: me trying to sneak into the polls with my son’s passport #votecauseicant,” with a video of herself gazing out a car window. Rihanna’s message resonated with many, but some followers criticized her for the joke.
Responding to Critics
The backlash included comments about illegal voting and criticisms of celebrities expressing political views. One user argued for tighter border security and suggested Rihanna "stick to music." Rihanna quickly replied, referencing the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021: “Where were you on Jan. 6, sis?”
Another user warned that "illegal voting is a crime" and suggested that Rihanna should be "arrested." She bluntly replied, “Shut up, Karen.” When another commenter questioned why she should “be able to” vote as a non-U.S. citizen, Rihanna responded by calling the user “illiterate.” Her replies garnered applause from many fans who appreciated her fiery comebacks.
Rihanna's Long-Standing Support for Political Engagement
Though Rihanna herself is ineligible to vote, she has consistently encouraged her American fans to participate in the democratic process. In the 2018 midterm elections, she urged followers to make their voices heard. "Election Day is the most important day for the rest of your lives," she wrote on Instagram, encouraging fans to “do something” if they were frustrated with the country’s direction.
This isn’t the first time Rihanna has highlighted her outsider perspective. When a fan asked in 2018 if she was a U.S. citizen, she replied, “Nah, I’m an immigrant tryna get yo country together.” Her advocacy for change and social engagement has made her a prominent voice for political and social issues.
Rihanna’s Impact Beyond Music
While best known for her music and beauty empire, Rihanna has increasingly used her platform to address social issues and inspire change. In 2021, Rihanna was honored as a national hero in Barbados. In an emotional speech, she said, “Nothing compares to being recognized in the soil that you grew in.” This honor symbolized her ongoing dedication to her roots and to creating positive change worldwide.
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