News Update: Natalie Portman explains how Rihanna helped her deal with divorce…

It was a formative time of my life says the actor.

Natalie Portman has revealed how Rihanna supported her following her divorce.

Portman, 43, was married to French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied, whom she met in 2009 on the set of Black Swan. They married in 2012 and share two children.

In early 2023, reports circulated accusing Millepied of infidelity, although the couple never formally addressed the rumours. Their divorce was then announced in March this year.

In an interview on Tonight with Jimmy Fallon, the Oscar-winner explained how “Umbrella” singer Rihanna helped her through the difficult period.

“I think every woman going through a divorce should get to have Rihanna say to her that she’s a bad b***h,” she said.

Rihanna and Portman met at Paris Fashion Week in January this year. A video by Bustle showed the two interacting outside the venue of the Dior Haute Couture show in a sweet exchange that soon went viral.

“It was exactly what I needed,” Portman added. “It was a formative moment in my life.”

In the video, Portman is seen telling Rihanna, “I love you” as the singer responds, “I’m a f***ing fan. You are one of the hottest b***hes in Hollywood. You do the most innocent look and I’m like ‘Ugh!’”

The singer who is known for her quick responses and her honest opinions, added: “Yo, I don’t get excited about anybody, but like, I f***ing love you.

Portman was overwhelmed by the compliment as she responded, “I’m gonna faint. I’m gonna black out.”

The Oscar winner added, “I love you and I listen to your music all the time… You’re just such a queen. Thank you.

Speaking to People, a source said that Portman found navigating the separation from Millepied “initially really tough”, but her friends have “rallied around her and helped get her through the worst of it”.

“She and Ben really love their kids and are equally focused on being the best co-parents they can be. Nothing is more important,” they added.