The pop diva confirms there’s “truth to that” story, revealing the bizarre request that may have ignited the two stars’ legendary feud. She adds that she “really doesn’t care” about the rapper’s decades of diss lyrics.
October 3, 2025: Mariah Carey has finally offered a rare glimpse into the long-standing, two-decade-old feud with rapper Eminem, hinting that their tension may have been sparked by an awkward Hollywood pitch for his film, 8 Mile.
During a “Plead the Fifth” segment on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, the “All I Want for Christmas Is You” singer was asked if the drama began because Eminem reportedly asked her to play his mother in the 2002 semi-autobiographical film.
“From what I heard, there is truth to that,” Carey replied, adding, “But who knows who approached who?”
‘Her Insecurities Kicked In’
The question was prompted by recent claims from music producer Damion “Damizza” Young. Young, who introduced the two stars, had previously stated that Eminem, who is only four years younger than Carey, genuinely wanted her for the role of his alcoholic mother. According to the producer, when Eminem asked Carey to play his mother, “She did not like that s*** at all… Her insecurities kicked in big time.” The role of the mother ultimately went to Kim Basinger.
When host Andy Cohen pushed her to confirm if the casting offer ignited their famous rift, Carey remained characteristically dismissive of the drama.
“No. I mean, maybe. It depends on what he’s thinking,” she quipped. “I really don’t care, right? Like whatever he’s said, then I’m that, fine. Not really. But that’s a rap lyric.”
Carey has consistently denied the rapper’s past claims that they were romantically involved in the early 2000s, which led to a series of diss tracks, including her famous clapback, “Obsessed.” Her recent comments suggest that over twenty years later, she remains unbothered by the lyrical jabs.