Pop icon Mariah Carey is finally addressing — albeit coyly — the long-standing rumors surrounding her alleged feud with rapper Eminem.
During her appearance on Watch What Happens Live this week to promote her upcoming album Here for It All, Carey was asked by host Andy Cohen whether tensions with Eminem began after he allegedly wanted her to portray his mother, Stephanie Smith, in the 2002 film 8 Mile.
“From what I heard, there is truth to that,” Mariah replied. “But I don’t think that he actually... well, who knows who approached who.”
When pressed for more details, the Grammy winner laughed off the question, adding, “It depends what he’s thinking. I really don’t care. Like, whatever he’s said, then I’m that — fine. Not really. But that’s a rap lyric.”
The role ultimately went to Kim Basinger, and 8 Mile went on to earn over $242 million globally, with Eminem’s hit “Lose Yourself” winning an Oscar for Best Original Song.
This marks the first time Carey has publicly acknowledged the rumor of her being considered for the film.
Music producer Damion “Damizza” Young, who collaborated with Carey on her 1999 album Rainbow, previously claimed on the TFU Podcast that he introduced the two artists and hinted at a brief romantic relationship. He also confirmed that Carey was offended by the idea of being cast as Eminem’s mother, noting, “She did not like that at all. Her insecurities kicked in big time.”
Over the years, both artists have traded subtle (and not-so-subtle) shots in interviews and music. In 2002, Carey told Larry King, “I hung out with him, I spoke to him on the phone. I think I was probably with him a total of four times. And I don’t consider that dating somebody.”
Her 2009 hit “Obsessed” was widely interpreted as a response to Eminem’s claims about their alleged relationship, while Eminem himself has referenced Carey in several diss tracks — most recently on Fat Joe’s “Lord Above” in 2019, where he took aim at both Mariah and her ex-husband Nick Cannon.
Despite years of speculation, it seems Mariah still prefers to keep her side of the story wrapped in her trademark blend of humor and mystery.
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