Charlamagne Defends Rihanna After EJ Johnson Criticizes Fashion Show Delay

Rihanna and EJ Johnson became the focus of an entertainment dispute after Johnson criticized a delayed Dior womenswear show at Paris Fashion Week, prompting Charlamagne Tha God to defend the singer during a podcast discussion and argue that some celebrities occupy a different level of influence. The dispute began after Johnson, the son of Magic Johnson, said in a vlog that the Dior presentation started an hour late because Rihanna arrived after the scheduled start. Rihanna later responded after a video showed Johnson outside a Paris hotel. Charlamagne addressed the exchange on The Brilliant Idiots podcast with Andrew Schulz, saying Johnson should consider the status of the artists he criticizes.

"EJ, now EJ, you know I love you, but you got to know your limitations," Charlamagne Tha God said.

He continued his defense of Rihanna by comparing her celebrity standing with other major entertainers and explaining why he believed Johnson's comments crossed a line. "There's certain thrones you can't throw rocks at, EJ, and Rihanna's one of them," Charlamagne Tha God said.

Charlamagne said Rihanna and Beyoncé represent a small group of figures he considers beyond ordinary criticism in entertainment culture. "There's levels to this queen stuff," Charlamagne Tha God said.

He added that Johnson often criticizes celebrities but that Rihanna belongs among the exceptions he believes cannot be easily challenged. "Now listen, there's a lot of queens EJ stepping on. Like I like 99% of queens EJ stepping on.

But it's that 1% that EJ just not going to ever be able to touch. Rihanna's one of them. Beyonce's one of them," Charlamagne Tha God said.

Charlamagne also described Rihanna's cultural influence and presence in fashion and entertainment.

"The party don't start till Rihanna walks in," Charlamagne Tha God said.

Johnson's original comments came while reviewing the Dior show, where he praised the presentation but objected to the reported delay linked to Rihanna's arrival. "It did start an hour late because Rihanna was late, and you know, like, we didn't care to wait for her," EJ Johnson said. Rihanna appeared to respond on October 2 after The Hollywood Fix shared footage of Johnson waiting outside a Paris hotel while photographers called for staff to let him enter.

"Damn," Rihanna said.

Johnson has previously been known for sharing strong opinions about celebrity fashion, including criticism of Met Gala looks where he described the event and outfits with harsh terms. "graveyard," EJ Johnson said.

He also used another phrase while discussing fashion choices he disliked. "awful on awful and awful," EJ Johnson said.

Magic Johnson has spoken publicly about his relationship with EJ Johnson, including how their family adjusted after EJ came out as gay in 2013. "He made me change," Magic Johnson said. Magic Johnson also described his support for his son after their conversations about identity and acceptance.

"Let me tell you something, you're my son I love you … I'm supporting that, I'm supporting you," Magic Johnson said.

EJ Johnson later reflected on reconnecting with his father and described the moment he felt their relationship had strengthened. "That's when I knew—there's nothing but love here," EJ Johnson said.