The Truth About Drake, Rihanna’s Rumored Collaboration: Joanne The Scammer Opens Up About Fake Website

Joanne the Scammer’s star has been on the rise for years and she won’t let anyone diminish the hard work — and years of scamming — it took to get where she is today. Not even Drake.

It was recently revealed that the internet celebrity, born Branden Miller, was the evil genius behind a website that claimed it was counting down to a Drake and Rihanna collaboration. TMZ set out to get to the bottom of it, questioning Miller about his decision to trick fans of the rumored couple, dubbed AubRih.

According to the publication, the online sensation created the page because he was snubbed by the “One Dance” rapper at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, which he attended as his alter ego Joanne. Miller told TMZ he tried to stop Drake for a photo during the show and the Toronto native refused. Scorned, Miller decided the only way to get even was to do what he does best — scam. The site cost Miller a whopping $3,000, but Miller feels it was worth every penny. Miller has not yet taken down the page and is not yet sure if or when he will.

The site appeared online on Tuesday, creating a stir on Twitter among fans of both artists. Pitchfork later confirmed with Drake and Rihanna’s reps that the page was not real. It was then that Miller came clean, admitting that he had teamed up with Super Deluxe to create the page. The announcement was made via video on the website, which has replaced the pre-existing countdown. In it, Miller discusses the VMAs snub telling Drake that he has “waited so long to take a selfie with you.” He jokes that he is “prettier and more iconic, TBH” before pretending to breakup with the rapper.

While Drake may have upset Miller at the VMAs, he pleased his fans by making a surprise appearance onstage at the event to present Rihanna with a Moonman. The “Work” singer was chosen as the recipient of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, which celebrates an artist’s lengthy and impressive career. Drake delivered a heartfelt speech about Rihanna, revealing to fans that he has “been in love with her” for a number of years.