Rihanna fans swiftly moved into action Thursday when an Apple executive appeared to command the singer to sit down.
The “Needed Me” singer was standing up to cheer on the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game 1 of the NBA Finals when Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president, seemed to say, “Tell that b—- to sit down!”
The moment was captured on Twitter ahead of the Cavs’ 113-91 loss to the Golden State Warriors, of whom Cue is a fan.
https://twitter.com/BaerFace/status/870641671251349505
In response, members of Rihanna’s fanbase, known as the Rihanna Navy, swooped in to express their anger and demand an apology from Cue.
If @cue doesn't apologize for his recent misogynist outburst towards @Rihanna I'm cancelling my subscription @AppleMusic
— STAUNCH (@KammBe) June 2, 2017
Cursing on live television my children are scarred @cue
— bri (@bigshitxtalker) June 2, 2017
But ok. Listen @cue if you did in fact call Miss. Rihanna a bitch please apologize so we can move on from this. pic.twitter.com/P9GMHbiUWy
— RAYNE. (@isIandrayne) June 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/eileenmcarey/status/870673556547395584
Others defended the VP.
Eddy Cue runs iTunes/Apple Music entertainment for Apple. He definitely knows who Rihanna. Maybe a little overboard, but it’s trash talking.
— Vincent (@buymoriaking) June 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/CallherLC/status/870730331304992773
Cue tried to clean up the mess by saying he wasn’t referring to Rihanna but actually speaking to someone else.
Nothing but love for Rihanna (and KD, too!) As usual I was excited about our lead and actually talking to Marissa, 8 seats to my right.
— Eddy Cue (@cue) June 2, 2017
But people weren’t buying it.
WE WANT AN APOLOGY! 2 pages, double spaced, MLA FORMAT! TODAY pic.twitter.com/hYppEU5Qgb
— karlie jenner. (@clapbackanna) June 2, 2017
Nah you disrespected a beautiful woman and thought nobody would see it! BYE pic.twitter.com/CnVaETXhoR
— ??? (@VibingToANTI) June 2, 2017
Nah. You owned her a proper apology and a promo for ANTI on Apple Music
— Ju (@baianna_navy) June 2, 2017
There’s literally video evidence that proves otherwise pic.twitter.com/B0ZSwZFYsI
— raul (@RaoulBimenyiman) June 2, 2017
So you told Marissa “tell that bitch to sit down” while Rih is the only person in the row standing up? ? did Marissa tell her?
— мaʀκ ʜaʀʀɪs (@MarkoH8) June 2, 2017