In a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, pop icon Mariah Carey tackled one of the most peculiar rumors tied to her decades-long feud with rapper Eminem. The story, which has floated around for years, centers on the claim that Eminem asked Carey to portray his mother in the 2002 semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile. The notion has long intrigued fans, given the age dynamics—Eminem, now 52, is just four years younger than Carey, who is 56. While Carey acknowledged there might be some truth to the rumor, she downplayed its significance, offering her signature blend of nonchalance and wit in addressing the alleged origins of their storied beef.
The rumor about Carey being considered for the role of Eminem’s mother in 8 Mile has been a point of fascination in pop culture circles. The film, a gritty drama loosely based on Eminem’s rise from the rough streets of Detroit to rap stardom, featured Kim Basinger as his mother, a casting choice that made more sense age-wise, as Basinger is 15 years older than Carey. The idea of Carey, a global superstar known for her glamorous image and powerhouse vocals, playing a weathered, working-class mother in a film about Eminem’s struggles seemed far-fetched—yet the story persisted. When Cohen pressed Carey on the topic, she responded with her characteristic blend of coyness and indifference.
“From what I heard, there is truth to that,” Carey admitted, her tone suggesting she wasn’t entirely dismissive of the claim. However, she quickly added, “But I don’t think that he actually—well, who knows who approached who?” Her response left room for speculation, neither confirming nor denying the full extent of the story. When Cohen asked if the 8 Mile casting rumor was the spark that ignited their feud, Carey brushed it off. “No, I mean, maybe, it depends what he’s thinking,” she said. “I really don’t care. Like, whatever he’s said, then I’m that, fine. Not really. But that’s a rap lyric.” Her playful deflection, punctuated with a nod to Eminem’s lyrical style, underscored her reluctance to dive too deeply into the drama.
The 8 Mile rumor gained traction earlier this year when producer Damion Young shared his recollection of the events. In a June interview, Young claimed that Eminem had personally asked him to facilitate a conversation with Carey about the role. According to Young, Eminem got on the phone with Carey and directly told her, “I want you to play my mother.” Young suggested that the request may have hit a nerve with Carey, potentially triggering insecurities about her age or public image at the time. After all, in 2002, Carey was in her early 30s, at the height of her career but also navigating the fallout from her highly publicized film Glitter and its accompanying soundtrack, which had received mixed reviews. The idea of playing a maternal figure—especially to someone so close in age—could have been a sensitive topic.
The role of Eminem’s mother ultimately went to Kim Basinger, whose performance as the troubled, flawed Stephanie Smith earned praise for its raw authenticity. Basinger’s casting aligned more closely with the age and tone of the character, a struggling single mother in a gritty, working-class setting. Carey, known for her larger-than-life persona and glamorous aesthetic, might have seemed an unconventional choice for the role, which required a stark departure from her public image. Whether Carey was seriously considered or the offer was more of a casual suggestion remains unclear, but the story has lingered as a curious footnote in the ongoing saga of Carey and Eminem’s feud.
The tension between the two artists, which spans over two decades, has been well-documented through their music and public statements. Eminem has referenced Carey in several of his songs, often in provocative or mocking ways. Tracks like “Superman” from 2002 and “Bagpipes from Baghdad” from 2009 include lyrics that allude to a rumored romantic relationship between the two, which Carey has consistently denied. Eminem’s persistent name-dropping fueled speculation about their history, with some believing the rapper was lashing out after a brief fling or unrequited interest. Carey, for her part, responded with her own musical jabs. Her 2002 song “Clown” is widely interpreted as a subtle dig at Eminem, while her 2009 hit “Obsessed” was a more direct and iconic clapback, with lyrics and a music video that seemed to mock Eminem’s persona. The song’s refrain, “Why you so obsessed with me?” became a cultural touchstone, cementing Carey’s ability to hold her own in the feud.
The origins of their beef remain murky, with conflicting narratives about what sparked the animosity. Some reports suggest that Eminem and Carey had a brief romantic encounter in the early 2000s, which ended on bad terms. Eminem has claimed in interviews that they dated for several months, while Carey has adamantly denied any romantic involvement, calling his claims “delusional.” The 8 Mile casting rumor adds another layer to the story, suggesting that professional differences—or a perceived slight—may have contributed to the bad blood. Whether Eminem’s alleged request for Carey to play his mother was a genuine offer or a provocative jest, it seems to have struck a chord, feeding into the ongoing narrative of their rivalry.
Carey’s appearance on Watch What Happens Live offered a chance to set the record straight, but true to form, she kept her comments vague and lighthearted. Her dismissive attitude—“I really don’t care”—reflects her approach to the feud in recent years, as she’s largely moved on from engaging with Eminem’s provocations. Meanwhile, Eminem has also toned down his references to Carey in recent work, suggesting that the intensity of their feud may have cooled over time. Still, the 8 Mile story remains a fascinating piece of their shared history, blending Hollywood gossip with the raw edge of hip-hop and pop culture.
The feud between Mariah Carey and Eminem is a reminder of how personal and professional slights can fuel long-lasting rivalries in the entertainment world. While the 8 Mile casting rumor may not be the sole cause of their beef, it’s a compelling chapter in a saga that has captivated fans for over 20 years. Carey’s ability to address the rumor with humor and detachment only reinforces her status as a pop culture icon who knows how to navigate drama with grace. As for Eminem, the story adds another layer of intrigue to his complex persona, one that thrives on pushing boundaries and stirring controversy.
For now, the truth behind the 8 Mile casting call remains shrouded in ambiguity, much like the origins of their feud. Whether it was a serious offer, a misunderstanding, or a calculated move to provoke, the story has become part of the larger-than-life narrative surrounding two of music’s biggest stars. Fans may never know the full details, but the enduring fascination with Carey and Eminem’s clash ensures that stories like this will continue to spark curiosity and debate in the years to come.