A video posted by Rihanna on Thursday following the Met Gala 2026 has sparked fresh online tensions between supporters of Tyla and Ayra Starr.
The renewed fan clash began after a clip from Sunday’s Met Gala circulated online, showing Tyla standing nearby while Rihanna appeared engaged in conversation with another person.
The moment quickly triggered speculation on social media, with some users claiming the global music star had deliberately ignored the South African singer.
The controversy intensified after Rihanna later uploaded a video featuring Ayra Starr’s song, Who’s Dat Girl, as background music. Many fans interpreted the move as a subtle jab at Tyla.
Reacting on X, user #NuJhayhne wrote, “No way she used ‘Who’s that girl’ by Ayra Starr in this video nah, Rihanna is messy.”
Another user, #Updateboyx, posted, “The only girl recognised by Rihanna. Who’s the other girl?”
#ace_ofPhrance also commented, “She still chose Ayra Starr’s ‘Who’s that girl’ let those delusional fans of that same beat girl choke!!”
Several users mocked Tyla over the viral Met Gala interaction while defending Rihanna’s actions.
“Thank You for humbling Tyla. Put that girl in her place,” #_ikofficial posted.
Similarly, #_romeko wrote, “Rihanna just said EVERYTHING without saying a single word. Using Ayra Starr’s song said everything. Welcome back, bad gal RiRi.”
Others, however, criticised the backlash directed at Tyla.
#mr_xami said, “That Ayra Starr song used as the background sound will have Tyla fans shedding tears for the rest of the year.”
Meanwhile, #Chibuba_ekeke posted, “Rihanna ignored Tyla at the Met Gala then come on X and post with Ayra Starr’s ‘Who’s that girl’ song.”
The online reactions reignited long-standing comparisons between Ayra Starr and Tyla, with fans often debating their achievements, streaming figures, international recognition and influence in Afrobeats and Amapiano music.
Despite the recurring fan wars, both artistes have consistently denied having any personal issues with each other.
Tyla had earlier addressed the Met Gala moment during a TikTok session, stressing that there was no conflict between her and Rihanna.
READ ALSO: I was startled Rihanna identified me, says Ayra Starr
“Everyone knows I love RiRi,” she said, adding that she chose not to approach Rihanna because the singer looked occupied at the event.
She also recounted their first meeting, saying Rihanna briefly acknowledged her before stepping away to answer a call from her partner, A$AP Rocky.
“So I met her last year and she was cool… I went up to her and she was like, ‘Hey, my baby daddy’s calling me,’ and then she left. I felt awkward,” Tyla explained.
The singer further clarified why she kept her distance during the recent encounter.
“So this time, I was waiting for my car and she was right there… she looked busy, so I stayed back,” she said.
Ayra Starr had also previously dismissed efforts by fans to create rivalry narratives between them.
“Tyla is my homegirl, that’s my G,” the Nigerian singer said in an earlier interview, while criticising the constant comparison of female musicians.
Even with repeated clarifications from both artistes, online supporters in Nigeria and South Africa continue to fuel heated debates, turning ordinary social media interactions into cross-border stan wars.