Jay-Z’s marriage to Beyoncé has been one of the most iconic relationships in the entertainment industry. However, like many public figures, their union has not been without its controversies. Chief among these has been Jay-Z’s admitted infidelity, which became the subject of much speculation and media frenzy over the years. Several women have been rumored to have gotten involved with the rapper during his marriage to the Grammy-winning singer.
The Early Years of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s Relationship
Beyoncé and Jay-Z first crossed paths in 2002, a time when both of them were already at the top of their respective careers. Though they kept their relationship private for several years, their bond was evident to those who knew them well.
In 2008, after six years of dating, they married in a private ceremony at Jay-Z’s Tribeca penthouse in New York. The wedding was attended by only close friends and family, and for a while, they managed to keep their marriage a secret from the public eye. However, after Beyoncé appeared at one of Jay-Z’s shows wearing a huge diamond ring, the world knew that the couple had tied the knot.
Despite their attempts to keep things low-key, rumors and allegations about their relationship began to surface. Jay-Z’s notorious party lifestyle, combined with whispers about infidelities, put a strain on their marriage. But what exactly happened? Let’s explore the four rumored mistresses who made headlines in connection to Jay-Z’s past indiscretions.
Claudia Scheelen: The Model from Antwerp
In 2013, one of the first specific women to be linked to Jay-Z was Claudia Scheelen, a model who later transitioned into a retail manager. The rumors started when Jay-Z was spotted partying with her in Antwerp at the Magic nightclub. According to reports, Jay-Z was seen buying an expensive bottle of Ace of Spades champagne, which costs around £5,000.
Scheelen was quoted saying, “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 denials, the media frenzy continued, and the speculation surrounding Jay-Z’s relationship with her only fueled more rumors about his marriage to Beyoncé.
The Infamous Elevator Incident: Solange’s Outburst
Perhaps the most public and shocking moment in the history of Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s relationship occurred in May 2014, when footage of an elevator altercation between Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s sister, Solange Knowles, was leaked. In the video, Solange can be seen angrily swinging at Jay-Z while Beyoncé stands by, seemingly trying to defuse the situation.
The incident went viral, and immediately, people began to speculate about the cause of the altercation. A family statement explained that the incident was a private matter, and both Jay-Z and Solange apologized to each other publicly. However, many believed that Jay-Z’s infidelity played a role in the outburst, further intensifying rumors about the rapper’s questionable behavior.
Casey Cohen: The Reality TV Star and VIP Hostess
In the same year as the elevator incident, another woman was linked to Jay-Z—Casey Cohen, a reality TV star who appeared on the show Princesses: Long Island. According to reports, Cohen was spotted socializing with both Jay-Z and Beyoncé in New York City. However, Cohen vehemently denied any romantic involvement, claiming that their interactions were entirely professional and related to her role as a VIP hostess.
Despite Cohen’s denial, the rumors persisted, and the tabloids continued to stir the pot. Cohen even went as far as hiring a lawyer to send a cease-and-desist letter to the publications pushing the infidelity allegations.
The Release of “Lemonade” and the Becky Controversy
In 2016, Beyoncé dropped her groundbreaking album Lemonade, which seemed to lay bare her emotional struggles in her marriage. One of the most talked-about songs, “Sorry,” featured the now-infamous line: “He only want me when I’m not there, He better call Becky with the good hair.”
Immediately, fans and the media began to speculate about who “Becky” could be. Two names, in particular, were thrown into the mix—Rachel Roy and Rita Ora. Let’s explore both of these women and their connection to the “Becky” controversy.
Rachel Roy: The Fashion Designer in the Spotlight
Rachel Roy, a prominent fashion designer, was one of the women rumored to be “Becky.” Roy had a history of being connected to the Carters, and when she posted a cryptic message on social media after the release of Lemonade, many fans immediately assumed that she was the subject of Beyoncé’s song.
The post read, “Good hair don’t care, but we will take good lighting, for selfies, or self truths, always. Live in the light #nodramaqueens.” The backlash from Beyoncé’s fans was swift and intense, and Roy found herself at the center of a storm. Despite this, Roy denied any romantic involvement with Jay-Z, explaining that she had great respect for both Beyoncé and her marriage.
Rita Ora: The British Singer Who Was Also Accused
Celebrating some bday @CocoPhilips @Sandrine013 @JessieVdBrande pic.twitter.com/bCbyQpe8
— Claudia Scheelen (@ClaudiaScheelen) July 1, 2012
Rita Ora, a British singer signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label, was another woman who found herself caught in the “Becky” speculation. Ora attended a Met Gala after-party wearing a pin that read “Not Becky,” which only fueled the rumors. However, Ora denied any involvement with Jay-Z, stating in interviews that she had a deep admiration for both him and Beyoncé.
Despite all the speculation, neither Beyoncé nor Jay-Z ever confirmed who “Becky” was, and the controversy eventually subsided. However, the emotional toll that these rumors took on their relationship was evident.
Jay-Z’s Confession and Redemption Through Music
In 2017, Jay-Z released 4:44, an album in which he addressed his past mistakes and sought redemption. The rapper expressed deep remorse for his actions and acknowledged the pain he had caused his wife. On the song “4:44,” Jay-Z raps, “I apologize to all the women whom I toyed with your emotions, ‘Cause I was emotionless.”
In a 2017 interview with The New York Times, Jay-Z admitted to the emotional toll his infidelity had on him and his marriage. “Most people walk away… the hardest thing is seeing pain on someone’s face that you caused,” he said. This open admission of guilt and regret was a pivotal moment in the couple’s relationship.
The Carters: A Relationship Rebuilt
Despite the turmoil, Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s relationship has survived. In 2018, they released a joint album, Everything Is Love, under the artist name The Carters, signaling that they had reconciled and moved past the public scandals.
Fast forward to 2022, and Beyoncé released Renaissance, an album that was dedicated to her family and showcased the strong bond between her and Jay-Z. Through all the public drama and personal struggles, they managed to rebuild their marriage and continue to thrive as a power couple in both the music and business worlds.
Conclusion: A Resilient Couple’s Journey
Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s relationship has been anything but ordinary. Despite the numerous rumors, infidelities, and public scrutiny, they have managed to keep their marriage intact and grow stronger. Both of them have addressed their issues through their music, which not only serves as a form of therapy but also as a testament to their resilience.
Their journey, filled with ups and downs, has not only shaped their personal lives but has also influenced the music industry. As they continue to raise their three children and produce chart-topping music, their story is a reminder that even the most public relationships face struggles—but love, communication, and growth can lead to healing and strength.
