Rihanna calls controversial civil rights activist pretending to be black a 'hero'

Rachel has become a hated figure for claiming she is black, despite being born to white parents

Singer Rihanna has defended civil rights activist Rachel Dolezal, in her latest interview with Vanity Fair.

Dolezal who is the former president of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP), got caught up in a controversy over race and cultural appropriation this summer when she claimed she was black, despite being born to white parents. Consequently, she became a hated figure and was forced to resign from her post as president of the NAACP.

Rachel Dolezal in an interview. Photo: NBC

However, Rihanna has another take on the issue and has lauded Dolezal for changing people’s perspective on race and culture. “I think she is a bit of a hero, because she kind of flipped on society a little bit,” said Rihanna.

“Is it such a horrible thing that she pretended to be black? (Being) Black is a great thing, and I think she legit changed people’s perspective and woke people up,” the famous singer added.

In the interview, she also discussed how she prioritizes work over personal life. Amidst rumours of her relationship with Travis Scott, Rihanna simply said, “I’ve got too much on my plate, and I’m not even worried about it. An extraordinary gentleman, with a lot of patience, will come along when I least expect it.”

Rihanna and Travis Scott. Photo: Instagram