Rihanna says she was bullied for being biracial, old interviews resurface

Rihanna’s 2012 Comments on Being Biracial Are Going Viral Again

A decade-old conversation about Rihanna’s biracial identity has resurfaced online and is reigniting powerful conversations around race, bullying, and representation. In 2012, while promoting her film Battleship, Rihanna spoke openly about the racism and teasing she endured growing up as a biracial child in Barbados. Now, those quotes are making waves again across social media and blogs, sparking both praise and renewed discussions.

In an interview published on March 30, 2012, Rihanna shared, “From the time I was very young, I was teased about being biracial. That was one of the first things I dealt with, then it went on throughout high school. If it wasn’t one thing it was the other thing. In my home, a lot of the things I saw helped prepare me for this world.”

The quotes paint a vulnerable picture of Rihanna’s early struggles, contrasting the confident global superstar persona fans know today. In today’s cultural climate, where conversations around identity are constantly evolving, her words feel more relevant than ever.

Rihanna Found Inspiration in Mariah Carey’s Journey

In a separate interview later that same year, Rihanna appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and opened up about her musical influences and personal role models. She highlighted Mariah Carey, another biracial artist who faced similar challenges growing up.

“I remember looking up to people like Mariah Carey. I identified with her in so many ways. She was bi-racial, she was also young, and I remember just hearing her story and really being connected to it,” Rihanna said during her segment.

The resurfaced clip and quote from the show are reminding fans of the lineage of strong biracial women in the music industry. These women have not only changed pop culture but also used their platforms to reflect personal struggles.

Now, Rihanna has a legacy that rivals that of Mariah’s. Some would argue that it even eclipses it.

The Internet Reacts to the Resurfaced Comments

With the resurfacing of Rihanna’s biracial commentary, social media lit up with mixed responses. All over the internet, users are weighing in with reactions ranging from support to skepticism.

Some feel this explains so much about her strength and her layers. After all, Rihanna has always been open about her story. Also, many feel she never claimed to be anything she’s not. As a result, they believe people are just late to the quotes.

However, when it comes to race in the entertainment industry, some people have questions. With those questions come those who say they never knew Rihanna was biracial.

Meanwhile, a few critics questioned why the interview was trending again. Those people have had snarky remarks about this simply being a thing again.

Still, the bulk of responses reflect how deeply Rihanna’s story resonates. In an age where authenticity is currency, revisiting her 2012 vulnerability reminds many of how long she’s been transparent about her journey.

Rihanna’s Barbadian Roots and Her Rise to Global Stardom

Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 20, 1988, in Barbados, Rihanna rose from humble beginnings to become the best-selling female recording artist of the 21st century. Her early years were shaped by a complicated family life, but she found escape and empowerment through music.

Discovered by producer Evan Rogers in 2003, she soon landed a deal with Def Jam and exploded onto the scene with Music of the Sun and A Girl Like Me. But it was Good Girl Gone Bad in 2007 that transformed her into a global pop icon, thanks to hits like “Umbrella.”

Her ability to constantly reinvent her sound and image, along with a sharp entrepreneurial mind, helped Rihanna become more than a pop star—she’s a fashion mogul, beauty empire founder, and national hero in her home country.

Despite being one of the wealthiest and most influential entertainers alive, Rihanna has consistently used her platform to advocate for marginalized communities, support humanitarian causes, and break down industry barriers.

Rihanna Has Always Owned Her Identity

One reason these 2012 quotes are resonating now is because of how consistent Rihanna has been in her messaging. She has always been clear about who she is—biracial, Barbadian, bold—and that clarity has empowered millions.

When asked in a 2015 Vogue interview about navigating fame and identity, Rihanna said: “I felt like they were giving me a blueprint. […] They had a brand, they had an idea of what they wanted me to be without figuring out who I was.”

Since then, she’s made a point to operate on her own terms. Be it with her Fenty Beauty brand or how she handles motherhood and relationships.

Cultural Impact: Representation and Identity in Pop

Rihanna’s story isn’t just about her. It’s about every biracial kid who felt torn between cultures. It’s about the media’s fascination with categorizing Black women, about how the industry often overlooks personal complexity in favor of commercial appeal.

Her honesty adds to a broader tapestry of voices advocating for nuanced representation in entertainment. When a global superstar like Rihanna opens up about being bullied for something she didn’t choose, it encourages others to do the same.

Sharing humbling moments like these also make Rihanna more relatable. This adds to her overall appeal. As previously mentioned, it helps give others the confidence to own their struggles.

Conclusion

The resurfacing of Rihanna’s 2012 reflections serves as a powerful reminder of how far she—and society—has come, and how far there’s still to go. In a time when many celebrities carefully curate their public images, Rihanna’s authenticity continues to set her apart.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or someone just discovering her depth, one thing is clear: Rihanna’s legacy isn’t just in her music or her fashion—it’s in her story, her truth, and her fearlessness in sharing it.

As her past interviews go viral again in 2025, they carry a new weight in today’s cultural moment—one where conversations around race, identity, and visibility are more important than ever. Rihanna’s words echo louder now. Thus, reminding us that honesty, especially from someone as influential as her, never goes out of style.