Jay-Z and Beyoncé are one of the most powerful couples in the music industry, but their relationship has not been without challenges. In 2017, Jay-Z made headlines when he publicly admitted to infidelity, confirming long-standing rumors about troubles in their marriage. His confession came through his album 4:44, where he addressed his past mistakes and expressed deep regret for hurting his wife, the mother of his three children, Blue Ivy, and twins Rumi and Sir.
While Beyoncé had already hinted at betrayal in her 2016 album Lemonade, Jay-Z’s admission made it official. However, the identity of the woman—or women—he was unfaithful with remained a mystery. Over the years, speculation has linked him to several women, though none of these claims have been definitively proven. Here are four of the most talked-about rumored mistresses.
1. “Becky with the Good Hair” (Rachel Roy)
The most infamous rumor began with Beyoncé’s Lemonade, where she referenced “Becky with the good hair” in the song Sorry. Many fans speculated that this was a direct reference to designer Rachel Roy, who had been linked to Jay-Z for years. The rumors intensified when Roy posted an Instagram caption that seemed to mock the lyric, leading the Beyhive (Beyoncé’s passionate fanbase) to flood her social media with criticism. However, Roy later denied any involvement, stating that she was unfairly targeted.
2. Rita Ora
British singer Rita Ora was another name thrown into the mix after she posted a Snapchat photo wearing a bra covered in lemons (a possible reference to Lemonade). She also wore a necklace with a letter “J,” sparking speculation about her connection to Jay-Z. Like Rachel Roy, Rita faced online harassment from Beyoncé’s fans. She later denied the rumors, calling them “completely false” and emphasizing her respect for Beyoncé.
3. Liv the Rapper
In 2014, an underground rapper named Liv claimed that Jay-Z had tried to pursue her while he was married. She even released a diss track titled Sorry Mrs. Carter, where she alleged that Jay-Z had flirted with her but that she turned him down out of respect for Beyoncé. Though Liv’s claims never gained widespread credibility, they added fuel to the ongoing rumors about Jay-Z’s alleged infidelity.
4. Casey Cohen
Reality TV star Casey Cohen, known for appearing on Princesses: Long Island, was another woman whose name was linked to Jay-Z. Reports surfaced in 2014 suggesting that they had been involved in an affair. However, Cohen quickly took legal action to shut down the rumors, calling them completely false and demanding a retraction from the media outlets that published them.
The Aftermath
Despite the rumors, Beyoncé and Jay-Z have worked through their issues and remained together. Jay-Z has spoken openly about the therapy and growth that helped repair their marriage, emphasizing that he deeply regrets his mistakes. Today, they continue to present a united front, focusing on their family and business empire.
While the public may never know the full truth behind these rumors, one thing is clear: Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s love story has endured, proving that even the strongest couples face challenges—but those willing to fight for their relationship can emerge stronger than ever.
