Mariah Carey Addresses Eminem Feud and ‘8 Mile’ Casting Rumors

Mariah Carey is shedding new light on her longtime feud with Eminem.

During a segment of “Plead the Fifth” on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Wednesday (Oct. 1), the iconic singer was asked whether their drama began when the superstar rapper allegedly asked her to play his mother in his 2002 autobiographical film 8 Mile.

“From what I heard there is truth to that,” Carey told host Andy Cohen. “But I don’t think that he actually… well, who knows who approached who.”

Cohen pushed further, asking, “But did that ignite the beef?” Carey responded vaguely, “Um, no. “I mean, maybe. It depends what he’s thinking. I really don’t care. Like, whatever he’s said, then I’m that, fine. Not really. But that’s a rap lyric.”

Earlier this summer, music producer Damion “Damizza” Young — who began working with Carey in the late 1980s — claimed on the TFU podcast that he introduced Eminem to the pop superstar. Young claimed Eminem wanted Carey to portray his alcoholic mother in 8 Mile, despite being just four years younger than her. Carey declined the role, which eventually went to Kim Basinger.

“Her insecurities kicked in big time,” Young said, also implying that the two later had a romantic relationship.

Eminem has made numerous lyrical references over the years to an alleged relationship with Carey, dating back to 2001. His 2002 album, The Eminem Show, featured multiple mentions of the rumored romance, particularly on tracks like “When the Music Stops” and “Superman.” Carey, however, has repeatedly denied that a relationship ever took place.

“I hung out with him, I spoke to him on the phone. I think I was probably with him a total of four times. And I don’t consider that dating somebody,” she told Larry King in a 2002 interview.

In 2009, Carey appeared to take a playful jab at Eminem in the music video for her song “Obsessed,” where she dressed as a male stalker, a move widely interpreted as a response to the rapper’s lyrics.

Watch Carey’s appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in the video below.