Vogue magazine writer Abby Aguirre confessed to Rihanna and readers that she “didn’t have time” to prepare questions for their November 2019 cover story.
The admittance wasn’t well-received, as readers lamented that Aguirre was being unprofessional, while some even accused her of using her white privilege.
Rather than express her disappointment, though, Rihanna praised the journalist for her ability to play by ear and improvise.
The 31-year-old called the writer a “gangster” for pulling off the spontaneous interview. “For you to get a call the day… And show up on the dime and write an incredible article that I’m really proud of and enjoyed reading? She’s badass for that,” she divulged to WWD.
The writer also took to Twitter to stand up against the online backlash, justifying that the interview was scheduled at the last minute and that she barely had time to prepare for it.
“I was driving to Trader Joe’s in sweatpants when I got the call and literally had to flip a b***h,” Aguirre wrote. “I research my subjects to death. *Especially* Rihanna. I appreciate the anger behind the reaction. But this is a misunderstanding, for which I take full responsibility.”
She added that when she told Rihanna she did not have “a list of questions” with her, she was trying to express how nervous she was to have an impromptu interview with Riri.
Aguirre told those who accused her of “not doing research” to simply, “Ask anyone I have ever worked with. Ever.”
GUYS. I was driving to Trader Joe’s in sweatpants when I got the call and literally had to flip a bitch. I research my subjects to death. *Especially* Rihanna. I appreciate the anger behind the reaction. But this is a misunderstanding, for which I take full responsibility.
— Abby Aguirre (@abby_aguirre) October 9, 2019
I had literally no notice. The point was to convey how nerve-wracking this was, given my deep, bordering-on-psychotic reverence for Rihanna.
— Abby Aguirre (@abby_aguirre) October 9, 2019
If you had accused me of eating too much Mexican food, I would take that personally. Because it’s true. But you can’t accuse me of not doing research. Ask anyone I have ever worked with. Ever.
— Abby Aguirre (@abby_aguirre) October 9, 2019
Privilege is being able to show up to an interview w/ one of the world’s biggest stars w/ no questions written, admit it to said star, WRITE IT in the story, and the editor letting the line go to print b/c no1 is concerned it will make anyone question your ability to do your job. https://t.co/bvSLR93X2L
— Sylvia Obell (@SylviaObell) October 9, 2019
So ridiculous you even have to explain this. Some fans need to get a couple of hobbies.
— Justice for Helen Shivers (@BlueGworl) October 14, 2019
How much clearer could she be. THERE WAS NO TIME TO PREPARE
— Jonathan Van Meter (@JonnyVanMeter) October 9, 2019
[via Page Six, images via JStone / Shutterstock.com] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/406815/Rihanna-Defends-Vogue-Magazine-Writer-Chided-For-Coming-To-Interview-Unprepared/