Singer Bebe Rexha has released a social media video confronting her past struggles, contrasting a painful breakup and record label exit with her present success.
The American pop star posted the reflective clip on TikTok, juxtaposing her painful period from three years ago with her recent nomination and attendance at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.
Rexha explained that her worst period occurred when her split from film director and producer Keyan Safyari coincided with her abrupt exit from the record label she worked with for 12 years.
Social media video and text messages
The video opens with a photograph showing Rexha alongside Safyari, with his face visibly crossed out.
Immediately following the photo, the video includes a screenshot of a text message exchange that she originally published to her Instagram stories in July 2023, which generated widespread controversy at the time.
The screenshot showed a conversation between the pair in which the producer and film director allegedly criticized Rexha's physical appearance and discussed a potential breakup.
While the image appeared to be a mobile chat screenshot, neither party has officially confirmed that the messages were authentic.
According to the text displayed in the post, the sender initially stated that Rexha was beautiful before pointing out her weight gain and facial changes.
The sender asked if she would prefer him to lie because he cared about her, inquired whether she had gained 16 kilograms, and noted that her weight had obviously increased and her face had changed, asking if he should pretend that nothing had happened.
The sender added that if she was looking for reasons to break up, his comments made sense, but maintained that they were not the true reason for their split.
The message stated that if she was unhappy with him, with herself, or with life, and did not see a shared future together, that was acceptable and served as the actual reason.
The author encouraged Rexha to write a journal about her feelings, speak with a therapist, or take a retreat to reach the root of the problem.
The sender concluded by asking her to let him know if she wanted to talk or needed further clarification, telling her that he loved her.
London concert announcement and body image battles
The relationship ended shortly after the text exchange was published online, with Rexha confirming the separation during a concert performance in London.
The context of the exchange added to ongoing personal struggles for Rexha, who has spoken repeatedly about her battles with body image and negative comments regarding her weight.
In an interview with People magazine prior to posting the text messages, Rexha stated that while she could not get angry because she was a public figure, the body-shaming comments hurt her feelings and discouraged her.
She shared that she always strives to do her best despite experiencing difficulties with eating and similar personal issues.
Rexha's public honesty has frequently resonated with fans who face similar struggles with self-image.
Designers refusal and Taylor Swift support
Her struggles regarding body image have also affected her career within the music industry.
A few years ago, Rexha publicly criticized several fashion designers who allegedly refused to dress her for the Grammy Awards because they claimed she was too big.
While on the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards, Rexha revealed how pop star Taylor Swift offered assistance during that controversy.
Rexha recalled her trouble finding a dress for the Grammys and explained that Swift reached out to her because they were the same age, describing Swift's outreach as a very kind gesture.
MTV Video Music Awards and forward outlook
At the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, where Rexha was nominated, she felt comfortable posing for photographers on the red carpet.
In her TikTok video, footage of her red carpet arrival is paired with a clip of her on an airplane, leaving a message to her past self set to a snippet of her song One Day.
The song lyrics state that one day a former partner will see her in a crowded place, where she will be a feeling they cannot escape.
With her latest video reflection, Rexha demonstrates that she has entered a confident new chapter in her life and career.
