Politics Elections Rihanna Trolls Critics After Joking About Voting in U.S. Election as a Non-Citizen: 'Where Were You Jan 6?' After Rihanna joked about wanting to "sneak into the polls" using her son's passport, some Instagram users said she should "stick to music" By Jack Irvin Jack Irvin Jack Irvin has over five years of experience working in digital journalism, and he’s worked at PEOPLE since 2022. Jack started in the industry with internships at Rolling Stone and Entertainment Tonight, and he worked as a freelance writer for publications including Bustle, MTV News, Shondaland, L’Officiel USA, Ladygunn, Flood and PopCrush before joining PEOPLE. In his current role, Jack covers daily music news and has interviewed both up-and-coming and established artists including Dolly Parton, Michelle Branch, Ashanti, Cyndi Lauper, Normani, Carly Rae Jepsen and Coco Jones. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 5, 2024 01:55PM EST Comments Rihanna in New York City in September 2024. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty If you decide to come for Rihanna, prepare for a shady response. The Barbados-born singer and businesswoman, 36, joked about wanting to "sneak into the polls" and vote in the presidential election with her son's U.S. passport on Nov. 4, making some Instagram users upset in the process — but she was quick to clap back. "POV: me trying to sneak into the polls with my son's passport #VoteCauseICant," wrote the Grammy winner alongside a selfie video filmed in a car. Rihanna Jokes She's Trying to 'Sneak Into the Polls with My Son's Passport' as She Encourages Others to 'Vote Cause I Can't' With rapper A$AP Rocky, the "Love on the Brain" performer shares two sons, RZA, 2, and Riot Rose, 14 months. The kids are both U.S. citizens, but RiRi has not changed her citizenship since moving stateside in 2005. In the post's caption, Rihanna emphasized the importance of protecting women's rights, especially in this presidential election. "When protecting p------ and firing p------ can happen all in one vote," she wrote, adding, "#votecauseicant #TanSuitSeason." One fan asked in the comments section if Rihanna was able to get into a voting site, and she joked, "not yet sis! But I’m sleeping outside to make sure the navy shows up." Songwriter Reveals One of Rihanna's No. 1 Hits Features Many '80s Song Titles Hidden in Its Lyrics Rihanna in Shanghai in October 2024. VCG/VCG/Getty However, some other commenters weren't as playful. One person questioned, "Why should you be able to [vote] if you are not a legal citizen?" "Ew! Hate an illiterate ass ho," responded Rihanna. Another Instagram user brought up issues related to immigration and abortions, prompting a spicy reply from the "Umbrella" singer: "you're f---ed! And so is the America you dream of. Hope you don't have to find out the hard way." Rihanna Reveals Her Rules for Lingerie: It 'Should Be Worn Any Way and Anywhere That You Want' (Exclusive) Rihanna in Los Angeles in October 2024. Kevin Mazur/Getty Replying to another comment from someone who told Rihanna to "stick to music" and said "celebrities shouldn't be posting their political opinions," the Fenty Beauty founder wrote, "Where were you [on] Jan 6 sis? Stick to your discounted crotch. We out here fighting for its rights." One person left a comment about how the superstar could vote if she went through various legal avenues, but she wasn't looking for advice: "I love my Bajan passport! I came here to work and pay taxes. You're welcome." In response to a note encouraging her to obtain duel citizenship and vote to set an example for fans, Rihanna said, "stfu and VOTE then! nobody looking up to my status nutty." Rihanna Shares Details of Her Mom Uniform: 'Anything That's Stretchy' (Exclusive) Rihanna in Los Angeles in December 2023. Frazer Harrison/Getty The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! The "Diamonds" artist has spoken out about U.S. politics in the past. Shortly following President Joe Biden's inauguration in January 2021, she shared a photo of herself wearing an "end racism by any means necessary" shirt, black briefs and pink heels as she takes out two trash bags. "I'm just here to help. 🤷🏾♀️," she captioned the photo — seemingly shading former President Donald Trump — alongside the hashtag #wediditJoe in reference to the now-viral video of Kamala Harris informing Biden he won the election in November 2020. Close