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New York, NY – May 5, 2025 – Leave it to Rihanna to command the world's attention
without even stepping onto the Met Gala red carpet. In a move that has become her
signature style for major life announcements, the global superstar, fashion icon,
and business magnate revealed she is pregnant with her third child with partner
A$AP Rocky just hours before fashion's biggest night was set to begin at the
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
The revelation came not under the glare of the Met Gala's infamous step-and-
repeat, but through a series of striking images captured by photographer Miles
Diggs at the Carlyle Hotel. The intimate, yet instantly viral, photos depicted the 37-
year-old mogul in a chic, fitted two-piece Miu Miu set that undeniably showcased a
burgeoning baby bump. The unexpected reveal sent shockwaves across social
media and the entertainment world, instantly becoming the dominant narrative of
the evening, even as attendees in their elaborate "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style"-
themed ensembles began arriving.
For perennial Met Gala watchers, Rihanna's absence from the initial red carpet
arrivals was notable, but the reason behind it proved to be far more exciting than a
simple scheduling conflict. The images from the Carlyle, shared widely online,
served as a deliberate and dramatic prelude to her (anticipated) eventual
appearance. In true Rihanna fashion, she turned a moment of personal joy into a
global event, leveraging her unparalleled influence and the intense media focus
surrounding the Met Gala.
A$AP Rocky, a co-chair for this year's Met Gala celebrating the Costume Institute's
exhibition "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," had already made his solo appearance
on the red carpet. The 36-year-old rapper and fashionisto arrived in a custom
design from his creative agency, AWGE, paying homage to the tailored style he
grew up seeing in Harlem with a jacket inspired by Marmot outerwear. When
speaking with reporters on the carpet, the proud father couldn't contain his
excitement, offering a playful confirmation of the news that was already setting
the internet ablaze. Jokingly referencing his highly anticipated partner's look,
Rocky quipped that all he knew was that it "just don't really cover her baby hump,"
a lighthearted remark that further solidified the joyous news and offered a glimpse
into the couple's dynamic.
The couple, whose relationship went public in 2020, are already proud parents to
two sons: RZA Athelston, who is set to turn three this month, and Riot Rose, who is
currently 21 months old. The quick succession of their children has been a topic of
much discussion and adoration among their fans, highlighting their evident joy in
building their family. While the gender of their forthcoming third child remains a
mystery, the announcement has ignited widespread excitement and anticipation
for the newest addition to their highly-watched family.
A Master of the High-Profile Reveal
This isn't the first time Rihanna has chosen a monumental public stage to announce
a pregnancy. The world collectively gasped during her electrifying performance at
the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show in February 2023 when she revealed she was
expecting their second son, Riot. Stepping onto the floating stages in a custom, all-
red Loewe jumpsuit, she strategically opened the zipper to reveal her pregnant
belly, a powerful and unforgettable moment that marked the first time a pregnant
woman had headlined the Super Bowl halftime show. The sheer audacity and
confidence of that reveal cemented her status not just as a musical icon, but as a
cultural force who dictates her own narrative on the grandest stages.
Her first pregnancy with RZA was revealed in a similarly memorable, though
perhaps less flashy, manner. In January 2022, photographers captured images of
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky strolling through the snowy streets of Harlem, with
Rihanna's baby bump on full display beneath a vibrant pink puffer coat. The
photos were a joyful, unposed announcement that kicked off months of
anticipation for the arrival of their first child.
These carefully orchestrated (or perhaps simply perfectly timed) reveals have
become a part of the Rihanna mythology, demonstrating her ability to maintain
control of her personal news in an era of constant media scrutiny. Each
announcement has been met with overwhelming positivity and excitement, a
testament to the public's deep affection for the artist and her partner.
Building Their Brood: A Look at Their Growing Family
Since welcoming their first son, RZA, in May 2022, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have
offered glimpses into their lives as parents, often sharing heartwarming photos
and anecdotes about their boys. RZA, named after the legendary producer and
leader of the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA (Robert Fitzgerald Diggs), quickly became a tiny
fashion plate, even appearing alongside his parents on the cover of British Vogue.
Their second son, Riot Rose, arrived in August 2023. His name, also starting with an
"R" like his older brother, continued the subtle theme within the family. While they
maintain a level of privacy, the couple has occasionally shared details about their
sons' personalities and milestones. Rocky, in particular, has spoken with immense
pride about fatherhood, often highlighting the joy and fulfillment their children
bring to their lives. In an interview with Complex in November 2023, when asked
about potential collaborations with Rihanna at Puma, where they both hold
creative director roles, Rocky turned the question towards their most significant
joint project: their children. "What could we team up and just like f---ing smash
and go crazy on?" Rocky mused, before definitively answering, "I think we do a real
great job at collaborating and making children. I think that’s our best creation so
far. Nothing’s better than that." This sentiment clearly underscores the depth of
their bond and their shared commitment to family.
Rihanna has also been open about how motherhood has transformed her life and
her relationship with Rocky. Speaking to Page Six in December 2023, she shared
how seeing Rocky as a father had deepened her love for him. "I love him differently
as a dad. This is major, major... it's a turn on," she expressed. "It's just like, wow. What
a leader, what a great, patient loving... and my kids are obsessed with him." These
candid remarks offer a sweet insight into the strength of their partnership and the
foundation of love and respect upon which they are building their family.
In a revealing interview with Interview Magazine in April 2024, Rihanna discussed
her desires for her family's future. When asked by stylist Mel Ottenberg how many
more children she wanted, her response was both heartfelt and open-ended: "As
many as God wants me to have." Pushed on whether that meant more than two,
she added, "I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would
try for my girl. But of course if it's another boy, it's another boy." This expressed
hope for a daughter resonated with many and adds another layer of excitement to
the current pregnancy announcement. Regardless of gender, the impending arrival
is clearly a deeply desired addition to their family.
The Met Gala Backdrop: Celebrating Black Style
The 2025 Met Gala provided a particularly fitting and powerful backdrop for
Rihanna's announcement, given this year's theme: "Superfine: Tailoring Black
Style." Inspired by the Costume Institute's accompanying exhibition, the theme
explores the rich history and artistry of Black tailoring and dandyism, celebrating
Black style as a form of self-expression, rebellion, and cultural heritage. With A$AP
Rocky serving as a co-chair, alongside Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman
Domingo, and of course, Anna Wintour, the event was already poised to be a
significant moment highlighting Black excellence in fashion and culture.
Rocky's choice of a custom AWGE design, drawing inspiration from his Harlem roots
and the functional yet stylish outerwear seen in his community, was a direct nod to
the theme's focus on personal tailoring and cultural influence. His enthusiastic
comments about the theme on the red carpet further emphasized the importance
of the night's celebration of Black style.
Rihanna's decision to reveal her pregnancy ahead of her red carpet appearance,
while undoubtedly stealing some of the initial fashion thunder, also added an
unexpected layer of personal significance to the event. As a Black woman and
global icon known for her groundbreaking style and influence across music,
fashion, and beauty, her presence (or imminent presence) at an event celebrating
Black tailoring felt particularly resonant. Her growing family with A$AP Rocky, a
fellow Black artist deeply rooted in hip-hop culture, represents a powerful and
visible example of Black love and family building on a global stage.
While the focus of the night was intended to be on the sartorial interpretations of
the "Tailored for You" dress code, Rihanna's personal news became an undeniable
part of the 2025 Met Gala's story. It served as a reminder that even amidst the हाई
fashion and curated spectacle, life's most profound and joyful moments continue
to unfold.
Anticipation Builds for Baby Number Three
As the initial shock and excitement of the pregnancy reveal begin to settle,
anticipation is already building for the arrival of baby number three. Fans and
media alike are speculating on everything from the baby's gender to potential
names, though the couple has remained tight-lipped about such details in the
past.
Rihanna's journey into motherhood has been a source of fascination and
inspiration for many. She has spoken candidly about the challenges and immense
joys of parenting, often sharing relatable moments despite her superstar status.
Her ability to balance her thriving career with her growing family has further
solidified her image as a multi-hyphenate powerhouse.
The expansion of their family also raises questions about the future of Rihanna's
music career and her various business ventures. While she has continued to be a
dominant force in fashion and beauty with Fenty, her music releases have become
less frequent since the arrival of her children. However, her Super Bowl
performance proved she can seamlessly integrate motherhood with her artistic
pursuits, suggesting that new music may still be on the horizon when the time is
right.
For now, the focus remains on the impending arrival and the continued happiness
of one of the world's most beloved couples. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have
cultivated a relationship built on mutual respect, love, and a shared passion for
creativity and family. Their decision to expand their family once again is a
testament to the strength of their bond and their desire to create a large, loving
home for their children.
The 2025 Met Gala will undoubtedly be remembered for its celebration of Black
style and tailoring, but thanks to Rihanna, it will also be etched in history as the
night the world learned that the superstar's already beautiful family was about to
get even bigger. As they prepare to welcome their third child, Rihanna and A$AP
Rocky continue to write their own rules, sharing their joy with the world on their
own terms, proving once again that they are a force to be reckoned with, both
individually and as a family. The journey continues, and the world watches with
bated breath for the next chapter in the lives of this iconic couple and their
growing brood.
