Amanda Batula, known for her role on *Summer House*, is opening up about a surprising encounter that left her starstruck and a bit overwhelmed. 

During a recent appearance on the *Conversations with Cam* podcast, the 33-year-old reality star shared a hilarious 

and relatable story about receiving a direct message from none other than the global superstar, Rihanna. 

However, Batula’s initial reaction may not have been what anyone expected.

The moment came as a shock to Batula, who admitted that she was so taken aback by Rihanna’s message that she didn’t respond at first. 

“I was so afraid and depressed that I didn’t respond!” Batula confessed, much to the surprise of the podcast host, Cameron Oaks Rogers. 

The message from Rihanna was short but sweet, with the pop icon saying, “You’re my fave tbh.” Despite the kind words, Batula’s anxiety got the best of her, and she let the message go unanswered.

Rogers was understandably surprised by Batula’s initial lack of response, joking, “Amanda, are you kidding?” Batula went on to explain the emotional state she was in at the time, noting that she felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to react to such a high-profile message. “It was so bad,” she said, acknowledging that depression and self-doubt played a significant role in her hesitation to respond.

Eventually, Batula did get around to replying, but by then, she feared it was too late. “I finally responded,” she recalled. “I said like, ‘I love you, queen,’ with an umbrella emoji,” referencing one of Rihanna’s most iconic songs, “Umbrella.” Unfortunately, the response didn’t lead to further conversation. When Rogers asked if she ever heard back from Rihanna, Batula revealed, “No,” adding, “Because I think it was like a year later.” 

Batula reflected on the missed opportunity, humorously labeling it as one of the more unfortunate consequences of her struggles with depression. “That’s like the worst thing depression has cost you honestly,” Rogers quipped, to which Batula agreed, clearly regretful that she had let the moment slip by.

Rihanna, known for her massive influence in both the music and fashion worlds, has also shown a strong affinity for the reality TV scene, particularly Bravo shows. She has been vocal about her love for *The Real Housewives* franchise and has even reached out to reality stars on social media in the past. In July 2021, for instance, Rihanna supported *Real Housewives of New York* star Leah McSweeney after the reality star mentioned her in a heated exchange with Ramona Singer and Luann de Lesseps. Rihanna shared a selfie wearing McSweeney’s streetwear line, Married to the Mob, and posted a cheeky comment referencing the episode. 

Additionally, Rihanna has expressed her admiration for *The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills*, particularly Lisa Vanderpump. In an interview with *Vogue*, she praised Vanderpump’s blend of sophistication and humor, calling her “goals AF.” Rihanna’s appreciation for the *Housewives* shows is well known, and she has been known to interact with several stars from the franchises.

Interestingly, Batula’s experience with Rihanna’s DM isn’t the first time a reality star has shared a surprising interaction with the Grammy-winning artist. In January 2025, *Real Housewives of Salt Lake City* star Mary Cosby revealed that Rihanna had reached out to her after an emotional conversation about her son’s struggles with addiction aired on the show. Rihanna’s continued support for reality stars, especially those who share personal stories on television, highlights her genuine appreciation for the *Bravo* community.

Although Batula may have missed her chance to strike up a friendship with Rihanna, her story serves as a reminder of how sometimes, even the most famous celebrities can be just as intimidated by their idols as anyone else. Despite the missed opportunity, Batula continues to shine on *Summer House*, where she remains a fan favorite, and she can at least take comfort in knowing that Rihanna once reached out to her. It’s a reminder that even the most unexpected moments can lead to unforgettable memories, even if they don’t always unfold as planned.

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