On June 7, 2025, a fleeting yet heart-wrenching moment of Rihanna’s grief was captured on camera during a private memorial for her late father, Ronald Fenty, who passed away on May 31 at age 70. The intimate gathering in Los Angeles, attended by close friends and family, quickly became a focal point of global attention when a leaked video showed Rihanna’s raw emotion, followed by an unexpected and deeply personal gift from Eminem that left attendees in awe.
This article delves into the memorial, the poignant captured moment, Eminem’s moving gesture, Rihanna’s complex relationship with her father, and the overwhelming wave of support surrounding her during this profound loss.
The Memorial and the Leaked Footage
The private memorial, held at a secluded venue in the Hollywood Hills, was intended as a sanctuary for Rihanna to mourn her father away from the public eye. Following his funeral in Barbados on June 3, this second gathering brought together a tight-knit group including A$AP Rocky, their sons Rza and Riot, Rihanna’s mother Monica Braithwaite, and close friends such as Melissa Forde and Fenty Beauty’s Jahleel Weaver.
Described by Us Weekly as “understated yet warm,” the event featured a slideshow of Ronald’s life, Bajan music, and shared stories celebrating his vibrant personality.
However, the sanctity of the event was disrupted when a brief video clip surfaced on X, reportedly filmed by an attendee and shared by @PopCrave. The 15-second footage showed a visibly pregnant Rihanna wiping tears as she clutched a photo of her father from his Barbados days. Speaking softly, she said, “He was my first fan, even when I didn’t understand him.”
The clip, which rapidly spread before being removed at the family’s request, sparked mixed emotions—empathy from fans and debate over privacy. On X, @RihNavy4Ever wrote, “Seeing Rih cry like that broke me. Whoever leaked that video should be ashamed—she deserves to grieve in peace.”
The leak intensified public fascination with Rihanna’s grief. TMZ noted that while she’s known for her resilience, this moment revealed her vulnerability. The incident also reignited discussions about celebrity privacy, echoing a recent Variety article on stars like Zendaya navigating personal losses under public scrutiny.
Eminem’s Surprise Gift
The memorial’s most unforgettable moment came with a surprise from Eminem, Rihanna’s collaborator on hits like “Love the Way You Lie” and “The Monster.” Unable to attend due to his ongoing recovery from a publicized health scare earlier in 2025, Eminem sent a gift that stunned everyone.
According to a source cited by People, Eminem delivered a custom vinyl record of a never-released demo track titled “For Ronald,” a soulful ballad he wrote after learning of Ronald’s passing. The song, played during the memorial, featured heartfelt lyrics about fatherhood, forgiveness, and legacy, with a chorus including, “You gave her wings, even when you fell.”
Accompanying the record was a letter from Eminem, parts of which were shared on X by @SlimShadyFan:
“Robyn, your dad’s story hit me hard. We both know the weight of complicated love. This is for him, and you. —Marshall.”
The gesture left Rihanna “speechless and sobbing,” according to the Daily Mail, as she hugged A$AP Rocky while the song played. Attendees described the moment as “electric,” with one telling Entertainment Tonight, “It was like Eminem reached into Rih’s heart. No one expected it.”
The gift resonated deeply due to Eminem and Rihanna’s shared history of turning personal pain into art. Their collaborations often explored themes of struggle and redemption, mirroring Rihanna’s journey with her father. Fans on X were moved, with @FentyVibes posting, “Eminem writing a song for Rih’s dad? That’s next-level love. I’m in tears.” Another user, @MusicSoul88, wrote, “That vinyl is a treasure. Em knows loss, and he gave Rih something to hold onto forever.”
Rihanna’s Complex Bond with Ronald Fenty
Ronald Fenty’s death at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, following a brief illness, marked a turning point for Rihanna, who was by his side with her family. Their relationship was a rollercoaster, shaped by his struggles with substance abuse and a 2019 lawsuit in which Rihanna accused him of exploiting her Fenty brand.
Despite these tensions, reconciliation defined their later years. Rihanna funded his $58,000 rehab stint in Malibu, and in a 2012 Oprah Winfrey interview, she reflected, “He wasn’t perfect, but he was my dad, and I loved him for it.”
Ronald’s pride in Rihanna was evident in moments like his 2008 Access Hollywood interview celebrating her Grammy win and 2023 TMZ comments hoping for a granddaughter. His passing, as Rihanna prepares for her third child, has intensified her grief.
The leaked footage, though invasive, captured Rihanna grappling with this loss, her words about Ronald as her “first fan” echoing a 2011 Vogue interview where she said, “He believed in me before I did.”
A Circle of Support
The memorial saw Rihanna surrounded by her closest allies. A$AP Rocky, fresh from his 2024 trial resolution, was a steadfast presence, with sources noting he “kept everyone grounded.” Other attendees included Travis Scott, who collaborated with Rihanna on Anti, and LeBron James, who sent a video message played at the event, saying, “Rih, your strength is unreal. Ronald’s watching over you.”
Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who attended the Barbados funeral, sent a wreath with a note: “Robyn, your heart carries his light,” according to @BeyHiveUpdates on X.
Social media overflowed with support. Nicki Minaj tweeted, “Rihanna, you’re a queen, and Ronald knew it. Here for you.” Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley posted, “Rihanna’s memorial for her father shows her heart. Barbados mourns with her.” Fans rallied, with @NavyForever writing, “That video of Rih broke my heart, but Eminem’s gift lifted her up. The Navy’s got her back.”
The leak drew criticism too. @RihFan22 tweeted, “Whoever filmed Rih at her dad’s memorial violated her trust. Let her grieve.” The incident highlights the challenges celebrities face, as discussed in a recent Guardian piece on public grief, citing stars like Harry Styles balancing personal loss with fame.
Rihanna’s Path Through Grief
At 37, Rihanna navigates this loss while managing motherhood, her Fenty empire, and anticipation for her ninth album. Sources told Billboard she’s been in the studio, with one saying, “This grief is fueling something powerful. Her next work will be personal.”
Eminem’s gift, now a cherished keepsake, may inspire her much like her 2022 tribute “Lift Me Up” for Chadwick Boseman, which channeled loss into art.
The leaked video, though painful, humanized Rihanna for fans. As @FentySoul posted, “Seeing Rih cry reminds us she’s real. Eminem’s song was the hug she needed.” With her third child on the way, Rihanna’s resilience shines, supported by her inner circle and the global Navy.
A Moment of Healing
Ronald Fenty’s memorial, marred by a privacy breach, was redeemed by Eminem’s profound gift, a testament to his and Rihanna’s shared understanding of pain and redemption. The viral moment of her grief, while controversial, revealed her strength, while Eminem’s song offered solace.
As Rihanna moves forward, Ronald’s legacy—complex, human, and foundational—lives on in her fire, her family, and her art. The world watches closely, sending love to a star who continues to shine through the shadows.
