The rapper’s past mistakes have sparked a lot of attention from the public. Many women, both famous and not, were rumored to have come between him and his marriage to the iconic “Single Ladies” singer. Jay-Z’s unfaithfulness to Beyoncé became a hot topic, and the couple’s relationship went through some very public challenges.
Over the years, rumors and accusations about his alleged affairs, sometimes with other celebrities, shook their marriage. Four women, in particular, were named in these rumors. This is the story of the tough road they both walked together, from being a powerhouse couple to becoming a strong family unit.
Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s Relationship Journey
Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s love story began back in 2002, long before the world knew the couple as one of the most famous in the music industry. Both stars, despite their fame, have always kept their relationship private. They were experts at staying out of the public eye, even though their love story was one the world was eager to learn about.
They spent six years together before deciding to marry on April 4th, 2008. The wedding ceremony was intimate and private, held at Jay-Z’s Tribeca penthouse. Only their closest family and friends attended, making it a deeply personal and spiritual event.
However, Jay-Z wasn’t keen on sharing their marriage with the world right away. Just days after tying the knot, when someone congratulated him, he laughed it off and acted like he didn’t know what the person was talking about.
But then, a few days later, Beyoncé showed up at one of Jay-Z’s concerts wearing a massive diamond ring, which became the first public sign that they were married.
The couple’s connection was undeniable, and their love began to shine through in their music. Yet, as their fame grew, so did the rumors about their troubled relationship.
First Rumored Mistress: Claudia Scheelen
Celebrating some bday @CocoPhilips @Sandrine013 @JessieVdBrande pic.twitter.com/bCbyQpe8
— Claudia Scheelen (@ClaudiaScheelen) July 1, 2012
In November 2013, things took a turn when the tabloids named a woman in connection with Jay-Z’s alleged infidelity. Claudia Scheelen, a model and retail manager, was reported to have been seen with the rapper at Magic nightclub in Antwerp.
Close-Up shoot summer 16 pic.twitter.com/IXaZLUagvA
— Claudia Scheelen (@ClaudiaScheelen) April 27, 2016
The story claimed that Jay-Z had been partying with her and even bought a bottle of Ace of Spades champagne worth £5,000. It was also said that he complimented the women in Antwerp, saying they were the most beautiful he’d ever seen.
However, Scheelen denied the rumors, posting on social media, “I was shocked when I saw my name mentioned in an article about Jay-Z! The tabloids have used me as a topic for something that didn’t happen!” Despite her denial, the whispers about trouble in paradise between the couple didn’t go away.
The Elevator Incident
In May 2014, the tension seemed to boil over. A shocking video leaked, showing Solange, Beyoncé’s sister, attacking Jay-Z in an elevator after the Met Gala.
The footage quickly went viral, sparking even more rumors about the couple’s rocky relationship. Solange was seen angrily kicking and swinging at Jay-Z, while Beyoncé stood by, visibly calm but distant.
The incident raised more questions than answers, but the trio later released a joint statement, explaining that the fight was a private family matter. “Families have problems and we’re no different,” they said.
Both Jay-Z and Solange admitted to their roles in the altercation and apologized. Despite the public fallout, the trio made it clear they had moved past it and were united as a family.
In fact, just two months later, Jay-Z and Beyoncé embarked on their “On the Run” tour together, putting on a united front.
But around the same time, more rumors started to surface about another affair.
Second Rumored Mistress: Casey Cohen
In June 2014, reality TV star Casey Cohen, known for her role on “Princesses: Long Island,” was also linked to Jay-Z. The tabloids reported that the rapper had been involved with her, but Cohen quickly denied it.
She even took legal action, hiring a lawyer who sent a cease-and-desist letter demanding a retraction of the stories.
Cohen admitted she had met Jay-Z and Beyoncé several times, but she insisted that their interactions had been strictly professional. She worked as a VIP hostess in New York City, and their meetings were related to her job, not anything romantic.
Yet, despite her denials, the rumors still persisted.
Marriage on the Rocks?
A month later, the media reported that Jay-Z and Beyoncé were on the brink of divorce. According to an unnamed source, they were considering separating, though no final decision had been made.
The idea of divorce was complicated, though, because they had received a large sum of money upfront for their “On the Run” tour.
The source also claimed that the couple had been spotted without their wedding rings, leading to further speculation that their relationship was falling apart. Despite this, no official separation was announced.
Instead, the couple seemed to channel their emotions into their music, revealing their struggles through their art.
Beyoncé’s Powerful Response: “Lemonade”
In 2016, Beyoncé released her groundbreaking album “Lemonade.” The album was packed with raw emotion and powerful lyrics, and many fans believed it was a response to the rumors of Jay-Z’s infidelity.
One line from the song “Sorry” stood out: “He only want me when I’m not there, He better call Becky with the good hair.” This line sent shockwaves through the media, and everyone wanted to know who “Becky” was.
Two women, in particular, were linked to this mysterious “Becky.” One of them was fashion designer Rachel Roy. Roy had been mentioned in the media before, and the song’s lyrics seemed to target her.
To make matters worse, Roy posted a now-deleted message on social media that read, “Good hair don’t care, but we will take good lighting, for selfies, or self truths, always. Live in the light #nodramaqueens.”
Naturally, Beyoncé’s fans took this as a direct jab at the singer. The backlash was fierce, with one fan writing, “Rachel Roy just became the most hated woman in the world.”
Roy attempted to address the situation, tweeting, “I respect love, marriages, families, and strength. What shouldn’t be tolerated by anyone, no matter what, is bullying, of any kind.” Despite this, the speculation continued, and fans were determined to figure out the true identity of “Becky.”
The Power of Family and Forgiveness
As the years passed, Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s relationship endured its ups and downs. They both channeled their experiences into their music and grew stronger together.
Their relationship, which had faced numerous challenges, eventually became even more of a symbol of resilience and love. Through it all, they stuck together, built a family, and found their way back to each other.
Today, Jay-Z and Beyoncé continue to be a powerful duo, not only in the entertainment industry but also as parents and partners. Their journey shows that even when faced with the toughest challenges, love, honesty, and forgiveness can lead the way.
Their story, filled with hardships and triumphs, has inspired many, and their bond remains as strong as ever. It’s a testament to the strength of their love, their ability to overcome obstacles, and their commitment to each other and their family.
Fourth Rumored Mistress: Rita Ora
Rita Ora, a British singer known for her connection with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label, became part of the “Becky” rumors when she wore a pin that read “Not Becky” at a 2016 Met Ball after-party.
This event set off a chain of speculations, with many people wondering if she was involved with Jay-Z. In response to the rumors, Rita denied any such involvement in an interview with Vanity Fair later that year.
She explained that the “Not Becky” pin was actually a gift from Katy Perry. Rita also made sure to clarify her respect for Jay-Z and Beyoncé, saying, “Jay Z is my inspiration and one of my idols—lyrically, musically, business-wise. I still look up to him and his wife every day. Beyoncé was one of my biggest idols growing up.”
Despite the gossip surrounding her, the bond between Jay-Z and Beyoncé remained strong, and they continued to face the public’s prying eyes together.
Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s Relationship Survives
Despite the scandals and rumors, Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s relationship didn’t just survive—it flourished. In February 2017, Beyoncé announced that she was expecting twins. Later that year, Jay-Z released his deeply personal album 4:44.
The album included a song where Jay-Z openly asked for forgiveness for his past mistakes, acknowledging the pain he had caused. In the title track, he expressed, “I apologize to all the women whom I toyed with your emotions, ‘Cause I was emotionless.”
That same year, in an interview with Dean Baquet for The New York Times, Jay-Z reflected on the emotional weight of his actions and the toll they took on his marriage.
He admitted, “Most people walk away… the hardest thing is seeing pain on someone’s face that you caused, and then have to deal with yourself.” He went on to explain that, while many people would have walked away from the situation, he couldn’t escape the responsibility of causing pain to his wife. “[…] And so you walk away.”
Despite the difficulties they faced, Jay-Z and Beyoncé chose to stay together, working through the turmoil. By 2018, they even released a joint album, Everything Is Love, under the name “The Carters.” The album was a declaration of their unity, both as artists and as a couple.
Their Unity Continues: Family First
As time passed, their relationship continued to prove its strength. In 2022, Beyoncé released Renaissance, an album dedicated to her family and husband, showcasing her continued commitment to their bond.
One song on the album, “Plastic Off the Sofa”, includes the lyrics, “And I know nobody’s perfect, so I’ll let you be, I’ll let you be.” It seemed like a quiet acknowledgment of their imperfections and a deeper understanding of one another.
In 2024, Beyoncé ventured into country music with her own version of “Jolene”, originally by Dolly Parton. The lyrics of her song, “You’re beautiful beyond compare, takes more than beauty and seductive stares, to come between a family and a happy man. […] I raised that man, I raised his kids, I know my man better than he knows himself.”
left many wondering if this was a subtle reference to their past struggles or a message about their present. Either way, the couple continues to stand strong, with their relationship weathering the storm of public scrutiny, and raising their three children together.
A Power Family
On December 26, 2024, Beyoncé’s Christmas Day Halftime Show became even more special when her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, made an unforgettable appearance.
During the NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans, streamed on Netflix, Beyoncé performed for nearly 13 minutes, showcasing songs from her latest album, Cowboy Carter.
Blue Ivy, now 13 years old, joined her mother on stage for two songs: “My House” and “Texas Hold ‘Em.” The performance was a lively spectacle, complete with a marching band and an expertly coordinated routine involving a group of dancers.
Both Beyoncé and Blue Ivy were dressed in stunning Western-themed outfits. Blue Ivy wore a white corset with pants featuring fringe lining, heeled boots, and a diamond necklace.
She also wore a red-white-and-blue sash that read “Cowboy Carter,” completing the look with a white cowboy hat. Beyoncé, not to be outdone, wore a silver-studded bodysuit, fringe-trimmed chaps, sparkling sequined boots, and a white cowboy hat that matched her daughter’s.
The mother-daughter duo’s synchronized performance was a clear demonstration of their bond.
While Jay-Z’s absence from the stage didn’t go unnoticed, the family’s unity was evident just days earlier. The entire family was seen together at the premiere of Disney’s Mufasa, reaffirming their status as not just a power couple, but a powerful family that continues to make an impact on the world.
