Chris Brown Congratulates Rihanna on Third Pregnancy, but A$AP Rocky’s Cold Response Fuels Speculation

Rihanna’s third pregnancy with A$AP Rocky has been a global talking point since its reveal at the 2025 Met Gala, but a new twist has fans buzzing: Chris Brown’s public congratulations and Rocky’s frosty reaction. Brown, Rihanna’s ex with a tumultuous history, extended an olive branch via social media, only for Rocky’s curt response to hint at lingering tension. The exchange has sparked intense speculation about the current state of Brown and Rocky’s relationship and how Rihanna navigates her past and present. This article explores Brown’s gesture, Rocky’s icy comeback, and the internet’s reaction to this high-stakes celebrity drama.

Chris Brown’s Unexpected Congratulations

On May 7, 2025, two days after Rihanna, 37, debuted her baby bump at the Met Gala, Chris Brown, 36, posted a message on his Instagram Story: “Congrats to Rihanna and @asvpxrocky on baby #3! Wishing y’all blessings and joy 🙏🏾.” The gesture, accompanied by a heart emoji, surprised fans given Brown’s history with Rihanna, marked by his 2009 arrest for physically assaulting her before the Grammy Awards (Us Weekly,). The incident led to a plea deal, community service, five years’ probation, and a restraining order, relaxed in 2011 for awards show appearances (Yahoo,). The couple briefly reconciled in 2012-2013, collaborating on songs like “Nobody’s Business,” but parted ways for good in 2013 (Yahoo,).

Brown’s message seemed to signal goodwill, aligning with his recent efforts to rebuild his image amid ongoing legal issues, including a dropped 2019 battery charge (Us Weekly,). Rihanna, now a mother of two—RZA, 3, and Riot Rose, 21 months—with a third son, Reign Athelston Mayers, on the way, has moved forward with A$AP Rocky, 36 (USA Today,). Brown’s post, viewed by his 150 million Instagram followers, was screenshotted and shared widely on X, with @MusicVibesX tweeting, “Chris Brown congratulating Rihanna? Didn’t see that coming! Is this growth or shade? 🤔 #RihannaPregnant.”

Some fans praised Brown’s maturity, with @BreezyFanX posting, “Chris owning his past and wishing Rihanna well is big. Let’s move on! 🙌.” Others were skeptical, citing his controversial history, including Azealia Banks’ June 2024 defense of Brown while insulting Rihanna and Rocky (HotNewHipHop,). Rihanna has addressed the 2009 incident, telling Vanity Fair in 2015, “It’s still real… a lot of women are still going through it,” emphasizing her focus on healing (Us Weekly,). Brown’s congratulations, while polite, stirred unease given this context, setting the stage for Rocky’s response.

A$AP Rocky’s Cold Shoulder

A$AP Rocky, who confirmed Rihanna’s pregnancy at the Met Gala, where he served as co-chair (The Guardian,), responded to Brown’s message with a cryptic X post on May 8: “Appreciate the love, but we good over here. Focus on your own. 🖤.” The pointed tone, paired with a black heart emoji, was interpreted as a subtle jab, suggesting Rocky wasn’t welcoming Brown’s outreach. Rocky, who’s been with Rihanna since 2020 and shares a tight bond with her, has rarely addressed Brown publicly but is known for his protective stance, as seen when he shut down 2022 rumors of infidelity with Fenty designer Amina Muaddi (Us Weekly,).

Rocky’s response ignited speculation about his feelings toward Brown. Fans on X, like @FentyEmpire, posted, “Rocky’s ‘we good’ to Chris Brown is COLD. He’s not here for the fake love! 🥶 #ReignMayers.” Others, like @HipHopGuruX, noted, “Rocky’s drawing a line. Chris Brown’s past with Rihanna ain’t something you just gloss over. Respect the boundary. 💪.” The exchange recalled past tensions, such as Brown’s rumored 2013 diss track “I’m Still,” perceived as targeting Rihanna and Rocky, who collaborated on “Cockiness” in 2012 (Billboard,). Rocky’s recent acquittal in a 2021 shooting case, supported by Rihanna’s courtroom presence, may have heightened his guardedness (Los Angeles Times,).

Rocky’s protectiveness aligns with his family-first ethos. He told The Associated Press at the Met Gala, “It feels amazing… we’re happy, you know,” emphasizing his joy for Reign’s arrival (ABC News,). His custom Rihanna-shaped diamond ring, debuted at the Gala, symbolized his devotion (HotNewHipHop,). Yet, his response to Brown suggests a firm boundary, possibly influenced by Rihanna’s past trauma and their focus on their children’s well-being.

The State of Brown and Rocky’s Relationship

Brown and Rocky’s relationship appears strained, rooted in Brown’s history with Rihanna and Rocky’s role as her partner and father of her children. The two have never publicly collaborated or appeared together, and their interactions are limited to subtle shade. In 2013, Rocky was rumored to have referenced Brown in a freestyle, rapping about not tolerating “woman beaters,” though he never confirmed it (Complex). Brown, meanwhile, has avoided directly addressing Rocky, focusing instead on his music and co-parenting his three children (Us Weekly,).

Rihanna’s perspective is key. She’s rebuilt her life with Rocky, whom she called “the one” in 2021 (Business Insider,), and has prioritized her family and Fenty empire. Her 2023 Super Bowl halftime reveal of Riot’s pregnancy and 2025 Met Gala announcement for Reign show her confidence in her new chapter (Standard,). While she’s forgiven Brown, as she told Oprah in 2012, she’s maintained distance, focusing on her sons and upcoming R9 album (E! Online,). Brown’s congratulations may be genuine, but Rocky’s response suggests he sees it as an intrusion, prioritizing Rihanna’s peace.

The public nature of the exchange amplifies the tension. Brown’s history makes his outreach fraught, and Rocky’s reply reflects a desire to protect his family’s narrative. As @FeministFenty tweeted, “Rocky’s not here for Chris Brown’s redemption arc. Rihanna’s thriving, and he’s making sure it stays that way. 🖤.” The lack of direct communication between Brown and Rocky indicates a cold, if not hostile, dynamic, with Rihanna as the unspoken center.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Context

The internet has been ablaze with reactions. X users are split, with some supporting Brown’s gesture and others backing Rocky’s stance. @RihNavyForever posted, “Chris Brown can keep his congrats. Rocky’s right—focus on your own life. Rihanna’s good! 💣.” Others, like @BreezyVibes, argued, “Chris is trying to make amends. Rocky didn’t need to ice him out like that. Let peace happen! 🙏.” The debate reflects broader conversations about forgiveness, boundaries, and celebrity accountability, especially given Brown’s 2009 assault and subsequent controversies (Yahoo,).

Culturally, the exchange underscores Rihanna’s evolution from survivor to mogul and mother. Her pregnancy photoshoot, released May 15, featured a cryptic “R9” sign, fueling album speculation (Vogue), while Rocky’s “unprecedented” plans for Reign’s arrival hint at a grand gesture (Billboard). Their family, rooted in hip-hop and Caribbean heritage, represents a powerful legacy, which Rocky seems intent on shielding from past shadows.

Looking Ahead

Brown’s congratulations and Rocky’s cold response have turned Rihanna’s pregnancy into a lightning rod for drama. While Brown may seek redemption, Rocky’s reply signals that Rihanna’s past with him is a closed chapter. As Rihanna prepares for Reign’s arrival, her focus remains on her family and R9, with Rocky as her steadfast partner. The internet will keep speculating—@FentySwiftX tweeted, “Chris Brown vs. Rocky? Rihanna’s just living her best life while they sort it out! 🧐”—but the couple’s joy is undeniable. Whether Rocky’s “unprecedented” welcome for Reign involves music, fashion, or something else, one thing’s clear: Rihanna and Rocky are writing their own story, and no one’s stealing their spotlight.