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I wasn’t going to continue spending my time writing about Rihanna’s almost-controversial “777 Tour,” but I believe it was a combination of attending Rihanna’s Unapologetic album release party, running into a few of the journalists that attended the “777 Tour” and some that didn’t and, then seeing the photo Rihanna posted below, that I felt compelled to just…vent.

Rihanna Instagram’ed the photo around 5 a.m., the day her “777 Tour” ended. I instantly giggled at the stunning Bajan bad gal peeking at her fans, while flying high (in more ways that one, I’m sure) on her private jet after dropping off the 200 + journalists, fans and the Delta plane (#Rihannaplane) they rode around the world on over the last seven days. Why the humor? Well, there were various complaints seen via Twitter about Rihanna’s non-presence on flights from country to country, there are a large amount of reports for privileged journalists complaining about the trip and Rihanna’s Instagram of herself on her fancy shmancy jet proved what we already know–Rihanna could give a “phuck” (a word that Rihanna constantly hashtags) less!

When photos started populating the hashtag “777Tour,” I couldn’t help but notice how hectic they looked. Rihanna was in almost everyone’s snapshots, pouring out liquor into thirsty passengers’ cups. The excitement was on 10 and no one in flight was aware that this would be one of their only chances to interact with the pop superstar.

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It was the fear of missing out that kept me checking the hashtag almost every day during the tour. I watched as the tweets became increasingly angry and journos started revolting. From the naked Aussie to the @RihannaPlane Twitter account, the uninvited guests of Rihanna’s tour (myself included) watched as the golden opportunity tarnished.

As a journalist, I realize that I am spoiled. While my job has its fair share of challenges, I can’t lie–the perks are what keeps it awesome. As the editor of an urban publication, writing about Rihanna is inevitable, getting a chance to meet Rihanna may be difficult, but not impossible, but going on tour with her is just…a privilege!

The “777 Tour” had the makings of brag-worthy Instagram photos and exclusive tweets with quotes direct from Rihanna’s lips, but evidently expectations were set a bit too high and journos could only tweet their disdain with the experience instead of their extreme luck or gratitude for attending. 200 + people got to travel the world with Ri Ri for a week and watch her perform each night, but the in-between is what caused the tour-goers to look–ungrateful.

I wish I could defend the journos from Rihanna’s tour, but their tweets bled with “first world problems.” Most of them sounded ungrateful to be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, whining over flight delays and Rihanna’s non-presence. Journos lamented that Rihanna refused to give them “Just one quote” or at least “Save” their jobs.” Poor babies.

The thing I disliked most was that many of the people on the plane chose not to look beyond the surface of being temporarily tired, hungry or inconvenienced because of delayed shows and flights and realize that they’ve been hand-picked to experience a week of Rihanna’s exhausting life. Instead of using this a chance to write about Rihanna from the ground zero, they scolded her for not living up to their expectations.

Not one to shy away from telling the world how she really feels, Rihanna’s private jet photo seems like a final middle finger to everyone that complained about her “777 Tour.” Isn’t a photo supposed to be worth 1,000 words? Maybe I am reading between the lines a bit too much, but Rihanna’s not the type to take criticism with a grain of salt. She throws said salt into your eyes.

Must Read: 7 Reasons You’re Lucky You Didn’t Go On Rihanna’s “777 Tour”

As the tour came to a close (literally as the plane was descending), Rihanna emerged from her private corner of the plane and granted the journos a quick interview. Check it out below.

Rather lackluster no? Turns out, the stories that were a result of Rihanna’s “777” experiment wasn’t at all about the “Diamonds” songstress, it was about the people invited. And what a story (of survival, some are calling it) it was and continues to be! Although many of the journos may never accept another experience like this, Rihanna claims, “I’d f*cking do it again.”

Rihanna apologized to the journalists:

“I know you guys got barely any dirt. …But I had to be good. I still sound like sh–. It’s impossible to spend time with everybody, and I’m sorry I didn’t. But this was excellent and I would definitely do it again. I had to preserve my health. Normally, I’d be back here popping bottles with y’all . . . I had to preserve my voice. I was worried about my body more than partying on the plane, so I had to just sleep whenever I could. I hope you guys had as much fun as I did.”

Should Ri Ri have to apologize for things beyond her own control? I believe it all comes down to grasping at lessons learned from being a part of an incredible experience that didn’t live up to delusional expectations of red carpet, VIP and superstar grandeur and checking those ungrateful complaints at the door or at least before you check your bags. But what do I know–I wasn’t even invited.

Let me know what you guys think about Rihanna’s “777 Tour” and how it turned out!

More On Rihanna:

#TeamBeautiful Attends Rihanna’s Album Listening Party In NYC!

Rihanna “Unapologetic” Album Review + Sultry Billboard Magazine Cover

Check Out This Gallery Of Rihanna’s “777 Tour”:

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