Rihanna and Tomdaya: More Lore
– 3 min read
Rihanna’s been at home in Barbados for over two weeks now, and it’s been a full schedule. She’s been seen at state events, she was at Crop Over, she went to the club, there was a birthday party for Riot (we’ll get back to that in a minute), and yesterday she took the kids out on the water.
Back to that birthday party – it was Spider-Man themed and clearly Riot is all about Spidey because he’s dressed in Spider-Man merch, from the t-shirt to his shoes to the sunglasses and he’s clutching a toy. (We will pretend we don’t see the Manchester City shorts – and this is actually relevant to the story, stand by.)
Can we add this to the Rihanna and Tomdaya lore then? Rihanna and Zendaya have had a few encounters over the years but it’s not like they hang out. They often appear in the same sentence related to fashion and style, particularly when the Met Gala rolls around since they are two of the most anticipated arrivals. But also, there was this viral moment back in 2017 when Zendaya posted a video of herself losing her mind after Rihanna publicly blessed her.
That was the year Spider-Man: Homecoming was released and her celebrity went to the next level. But that’s not all, because 2017 was a huge year in Tomdaya; 2017 is the year this happened – I know you know what’s coming before you even have to see it, and we always want to see it.
Rihanna. “Umbrella”. Don’t tell me there’s not lore here, there is so much lore! Tom and Zendaya, nine years later, are married now… they are each other’s umbrella!
And Rihanna’s a mother now, and her kids are obsessed with Spider-Man, and given the generation, it could only be Tom Holland’s Spider-Man.
So the universe has to be setting us up for an internet demolishing moment – or longer – when Rihanna, RZA, Riot, Rocki, and Rocky are in a photo together with Tom and Zendaya for world peace. Gossip Genie, get to work!
What else happened today…
Widow’s Bay nation, where are you? I know there a lot of people who read this site who are down bad for this series, including our co-editor, Sarah. Widow’s Bay’s Emmys campaign has begun. (Go Fug Yourself)
Kayleigh Donaldson with a primer on the Tupac Shakur murder trial and as usual she’s right because, sure, people will be totally normal about it. No doubt. (Pajiba)
Matt Damon’s daughter has signed with IMG Models. One day there will be a fashion show and only children of famous people will be on that runway. (Celebitchy)
Speaking of nepo babies, Kaia Gerber and Homer Gere cover the September issue of American Vogue and… at least from what I’ve seen, the internet isn’t happy about it. The September issue is still known as the most prestigious issue of the year. And clearly this year’s edition is targeting the audience for The Shards (the show they’re in together) and Gen Z which, like, does Gen Z have the money to spend on what’s in the pages of Vogue? They won’t even pay for Netflix. (Vogue)
Speaking of Gen Z, intersecting with the gays, Demi Lovato has returned to Camp Rock – the new movie streams on Disney+ on Friday. Curious to see what the ratings will be. (Out)
Rihanna out in Barbados with her children, August 10, 2026
