What You See of Me Is an Act, Rihanna Tells Vogue UK

Since shooting to international fame, Rihanna has been criticized both for her music and for her fashion choices. In a new interview with Vogue UK, the star says people should really not read too much into her image, because it’s just an act.

Whereas Lady Gaga is constantly struggling to prove to the world that she’s not putting up an act, Rihanna does the exact opposite, saying all she wants to do is make music – and not be judged for anything.

People tend to interpret everything about their favorite artists, and she knows that first-hand.

“That’s not me. That’s a part I play. You know, like it’s a piece of art, with all these toys and textures to play with,” Rihanna says of her often-times controversial public image.

“See, people – especially white people – they want me to be a role model just because of the life I lead. The things I say in my songs, they expect it of me and [being a role model] became more of my job than I wanted it to be,” the singer further says.

“But no, I just want to make music. That’s it. Look, God doesn’t give any more than you can handle. I had to get through a lot of ups and downs – big downs – and a lot of trial and error to get where I am now,” Rihanna adds.

The latest controversy she got herself in because of her fashion sense (and love of small clothes) was when a farmer from Northern Ireland kicked her off his land after initially agreeing to let her shoot the video for “We Found Love” there, as we also reported at the time.

The 61-year-old farmer walked by the grain field where Rihanna was shooting the video (sans shirt at the time) and was appalled that she was doing that on his land – so he told her and her crew to pack up and leave immediately, which she did.