Search

Carmelo Anthony Shares the Story Behind His Expression in the Famous Rihanna Meme

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Carmelo Anthony and Rihanna at a Met Gala afterparty. / 7 PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony / YouTube

Carmelo Anthony has the answers.

On Thursday’s episode of 7pm in Brooklyn With Carmelo Anthony, the now-retired NBA superstar reflected on the image that may well go down as his greatest off-the-court legacy—the infamous photo of him and Rihanna.

Captured in 2014, the image features a dapper Melo casting a flirtatious glance at Rihanna, who is effortlessly posing for the camera. The intense flash from the camera lends a distinct "early 2010s" vibe to the scene.

Over the past ten years since the photo was first captured, Anthony's expression has come to embody the saying "ready to risk it all," illustrating the peculiar ways in which the internet operates.

During his show on Thursday, Anthony emphasized that the photo came about due to a mix of lucky and unlucky circumstances.

"I’m about to share the true tale," Melo said to his cohosts, suppressing their giggles.

“It was after the Met [Gala]. I think the afterparty was at Darby or Up&Down. We’re already in there, having a good time. Every time a celebrity comes in, the cameras go crazy with flashes,” Melo explained. “It’s small in there, so you see all the flashes. It’s commotion when you walk in there.

“I finally make my way inside, navigate past the cameras, and take a seat. I settle into my comfort zone, trying to stay under the radar. Then Rih enters, and the cameras go wild. All you can see are bursts of white light. There’s only one direction to move—just one spot to head to. I’m thinking, ‘Please don’t come this way.’”

Melo's hopes were dashed. As Rihanna drew near, he glanced up to take in the surroundings, only to be met with another barrage of camera flashes.

To sum up, Anthony maintains that he had no intention of “risking it all,” quite the opposite, in fact. Although his clarification is officially documented now, for those who only perceive the visual aspect, it will likely continue to convey its message for an extended period.