Rihanna might be one of music's biggest names, a makeup mogul and soon-to-be Superbowl performer. But over here, she'll never live down the time she was humbled by a Bangor farmer.
This week marks 11 years since the songstress made global headlines over an incident that occurred during the filming of her music video for 'We Found Love' in Northern Ireland. The Fenty Beauty creator, who was just 23 at the time, shot scenes in parts of Co Down as well as in the New Lodge area of Belfast in September 2011.
New Lodge locals came in their droves to catch a glimpse of the singer in action. Yet the farmer - whose barley field on the outskirts of Bangor was used for filming - didn't give her quite the same welcome.
Read more: New 'Rihanna tree' takes root at site of infamous video shoot in Bangor barley field
Alan Graham withdrew permission for his field to be used in filming after seeing what Rihanna was wearing. Taking issue with her red bikini top, he reportedly called her outfit an "inappropriate state of undress."
The farmer granted permission when first contacted about allowing his field to be used for the video shoot without knowing who the singer was. Speaking to the BBC at the time, he said: "I didn't know who was coming. If the name 'Rihanna' had been mentioned, well, no disrespect but it wouldn't have meant anything."
The star's outfit thereby took Mr Graham by surprise, with him telling the BBC: "I thought it was inappropriate. I requested them to stop and they did."
He added that he explained his issue to the star herself. "I had my conversation with Rihanna and I hope she understands where I'm coming from," he recalled. "We shook hands."
Rihanna might not share his no-bad-blood sentiment. On Irish TV show Xposé the following year, the singer was unimpressed when told Mr Graham allegedly wanted to name a grain after her.
"Hmm, I might have to think about that one," she laughed. "That doesn't make sense.
"He chased my boobs off that farm! He can't want my name to be a part of it."
The music video went on to win a Grammy Award for 'Best Short-Form Music Video'. So despite the incident, choosing our small corner of the world as her "hopeless place" was well worth it.
Mr Graham, who was a DUP councillor for Ards and North Down until 2019, has since named a tree after the singer and insists they parted on good terms.
"I wish no ill will against Rihanna and her friends," he continued to the BBC. "Perhaps they could acquaint themselves with a greater God."
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