Ethan Hawke Reveals ‘Family Shame’ Over Failed Flirtatious Exchange With Rihanna

In 2015, director Ethan Hawke took his son to an NBA All-Star game. His son sat next to pop superstar Rihanna, and the director decided it was the perfect opportunity to switch seats with his son and have a flirtatious exchange with the singer. But it didn’t go as planned, and the incident became known as “a family shame.”

Hawke has recently opened up about his awkward exchange with Rihanna in an interview with Variety. Alongside his daughter, Maya Hawke, the two debate whether they’d prefer to go to a Rihanna or Lady Gaga concert. Maya instantly answers for her father, “Rihanna,” allowing Ethan to recount his failed flirtatious encounter with Rihanna. “I’ve been caught by the paparazzi openly flirting with Rihanna,” he said. Maya chimed, “Trying to!” Ethan responded, “Trying to flirt. So that’s been to the family shame, so you’re really touching a nerve.”

The father-daughter duo are promoting their new project Wildcat, which stars Maya as American novelist Flannery O’Connor. Ethan directs the biographical drama film.

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“I had moments of insecurity about it while we were shooting the movie,” Maya revealed about the project. “My dad has been a massive teacher for me, and we want to work together. We like being with each other.”