In a dramatic turn of events that has left fans reeling, global superstar and beauty mogul Rihanna has canceled her highly anticipated appearance at the Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin launch in India, set for August 7, 2025, at Sephora India and Tira Beauty. The decision, sources close to the couple reveal, was heavily influenced by her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, whose concerns for Rihanna’s safety and well-being during her pregnancy have taken center stage. With her due date looming in November 2025, the “Umbrella” singer’s choice to prioritize her unborn child and her partner’s wishes has sparked heated debates about love, safety, and the pressures of fame. Here’s the inside scoop on why Rihanna’s staying home—and why this decision is tugging at heartstrings worldwide.
A Love-Fueled Decision
Rihanna, 37, and A$AP Rocky, 36, have been one of Hollywood’s most adored power couples since confirming their relationship in 2021. Parents to two sons, RZA and Riot, the couple announced their third pregnancy at the 2025 Met Gala, where Rihanna stunned in a custom Marc Jacobs suit, cradling her baby bump. Now, as she navigates her third trimester, sources say Rocky has been unwavering in his protective stance, urging Rihanna to avoid the grueling trip to India for the sake of their unborn child.
“Rocky’s been by her side through every step of this pregnancy, and he’s adamant about keeping her safe,” an insider tells us. “He knows how much the Fenty Beauty launch means to her, but with the baby due in November, he’s worried about the toll international travel could take on her, especially in her final months.” The rapper’s concerns reportedly go beyond physical exhaustion, touching on broader anxieties about safety in India, despite Rihanna’s robust security team.
The India Launch: A Desi Dream Deferred
The Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin launch in India was poised to be a cultural moment. Rihanna announced the expansion with a playful animated video featuring a kaali-peeli Mumbai taxi, complete with Sephora and Tira bags stacked on top and an animated Rihanna blowing a kiss. The video, set to reimagined Indian classical beats, screamed desi flair, and fans were buzzing with excitement to see the Barbadian superstar bring her inclusive beauty empire to Indian shores. Fenty Beauty, launched in 2017 with a groundbreaking 40-shade foundation range (now expanded to 50), and Fenty Skin, introduced in 2020, have redefined inclusivity in the beauty industry, making this launch a milestone for Indian fans eager to access Rihanna’s “Beauty for All” vision.
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But Rocky’s concerns have put a pause on Rihanna’s plans to attend in person. “She was so excited to connect with her Indian fans,” a source close to Rihanna shares. “The kaali-peeli video was her love letter to India, blending her vibe with Mumbai’s energy. But Rocky’s been clear—he doesn’t want her traveling so far when she’s this far along.” The decision has left Rihanna torn between her passion for her brand and her commitment to her growing family.
Rocky’s Protective Instincts
A$AP Rocky, known for hits like “Fashion Killa,” has always been vocal about his devotion to Rihanna. “When someone sees you completely, and believes in you, and thinks you’re worthy of being the mother of their kids, it’s a great feeling,” Rihanna said of Rocky in a 2022 interview. Now, with their third child on the way, Rocky’s protective instincts are in overdrive. Sources say he’s particularly worried about the physical demands of Rihanna’s third trimester, especially given the long-haul flight from the U.S. to India and the packed schedule that would follow.
“Rocky’s not just thinking about the travel,” the insider reveals. “He’s concerned about not being able to be there every moment to support her. His schedule is hectic, and he’s afraid that if something were to happen, he’d be too far away to help.” While Rihanna has a top-tier security team, including personal bodyguards who’ve protected her at high-profile events like the Met Gala, Rocky’s worries extend to broader safety concerns about women in India. “He’s read about incidents and feels uneasy, even if she’d be surrounded by security,” the source adds. “To him, it’s not worth the risk.”
The Safety Debate: Fair or Overblown?
Rocky’s concerns have sparked a firestorm of debate online. Some fans praise his protective nature, calling it a testament to his love and commitment. “Rocky’s just being a good partner and dad,” one X user posted. “He’s putting his family first, and that’s beautiful.” Others, however, argue that his worries about India’s safety are overblown and unfairly generalize a country of 1.4 billion people. “Rihanna’s got bodyguards, money, and power—she’d be fine in Mumbai,” another user tweeted. “Rocky’s acting like India’s some war zone, which is unfair.”
India, a global hub for tourism and business, has faced scrutiny over women’s safety in the past, but Mumbai is widely regarded as one of the country’s safer cities for high-profile visitors. Rihanna’s team had reportedly planned a tightly controlled visit, with private transport and security at every step. Still, Rocky’s fears, whether grounded or not, have resonated with Rihanna, who trusts his judgment. “She knows he’s coming from a place of love,” the insider says. “She doesn’t want to stress him out or take any chances with the baby.”
Rihanna’s Empire Under Pressure
The cancellation comes at a pivotal time for Fenty Beauty, which has faced its share of controversies. In 2021, the brand was accused of sourcing mica from mines in Jharkhand, India, allegedly linked to child labor. The Legal Rights Observatory filed a complaint with India’s National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, claiming Fenty Beauty lacked proper supply chain certifications. While the allegations remain unproven and Fenty Beauty has not publicly responded, the scrutiny added pressure to the brand’s global operations. Rihanna’s decision to skip the India launch may also be a strategic move to avoid reigniting these criticisms during a high-profile visit.
Despite these challenges, Fenty Beauty remains a juggernaut. The brand generated $582 million in revenue in 2023 and has expanded to over 35 countries, with its “Fenty Effect” forcing competitors to broaden their shade ranges. The India launch, even without Rihanna’s physical presence, is expected to be a massive success, with fans eager to snap up products like the Pro Filt’r Foundation and Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer at Sephora India and Tira Beauty.
A Family-First Future
As Rihanna prepares for motherhood again, her focus is shifting toward family. She’s openly shared her hopes for a daughter, jokingly telling E! News in 2023, “So far, have daughters,” hinting at her desire to expand her family further. With two young sons and a third child on the way, Rihanna and Rocky are navigating the delicate balance of their high-flying careers and growing family. “Rihanna’s always been a boss, but she’s also a mom first,” the insider says. “She’s okay with letting the team handle the India launch because she knows her family needs her more right now.”
The decision has left fans in India disappointed but understanding. “We love Rihanna and can’t wait to try Fenty Beauty, but her baby comes first,” one Mumbai-based fan posted on X. Others are holding out hope for a future visit, with one user writing, “Get that baby here safely, RiRi, then come to India and slay!” For now, Rihanna’s virtual presence—through that iconic kaali-peeli video—will have to suffice as her beauty empire takes India by storm.
As the November due date approaches, all eyes are on Rihanna and Rocky, whose love story continues to captivate. Will they welcome a girl this time, as Rihanna hopes? Will she make a triumphant return to India post-pregnancy? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain: this couple’s devotion to each other and their family is the real headline.