Rihanna Criticized for Texting at Broadway Play, Writer Jeremy O. Harris Defends Her

Rihanna went to see the new Broadway play Slave Play over the weekend and she was slammed on social media by other audience members, who said she was texting during the performance.

The 31-year-old entertainer also arrived 15 minutes late for the show and the start of the play was held for her arrival.

Jeremy O. Harris, the playwright who is making his Broadway debut with this new play, took to Twitter to defend his idol after she faced backlash from theatergoers.

“Two things I learned today about the Type of theatre maker I am: When my idol texts that she’s running late. I hold the curtain for her. When my idol texts me during a play I’ve written, I respond,” Jeremy originally tweeted after the show on Saturday night.

In response to criticism from fans, Jeremy said, “I’m not interested in policing anyone’s relationship to watching a play ESPECIALLY someone who isn’t a part of the regular theatregoing crowd. Moreover, as ppl on this site know I’m famously ambivalent abt phone use in theatre.”

Jeremy added, “For me there are so many more disrespectful things that I have to endure in a theatre than light from a phone so I’ve come to terms with it.”

When people questioned why the curtain time would be held for Rihanna, but not other late theatergoers, Jeremy revealed the play was inspired by the singer.

“To dead this weird discourse that has popped up… The patron saint of the play I wrote is literally a pop star, fashion icon, and Demi-goddess named Rihanna. Her words are all over it. She’s a 9th character in the play. When Dionysus is coming you hold the curtain,” he said.

Slave Play is likely to be a sold out hit throughout its limited run on Broadway, so make sure to get your tickets now if you want to see it!