Mariah Carey Addresses '8 Mile' Casting Rumors, Says She 'Doesn't Care' If It Sparked Feud with Eminem

Pop icon Mariah Carey has directly addressed the long-standing rumor that a proposed role in the film '8 Mile' as Eminem's mother was the catalyst for their public feud.

Producer Damian Young recently claimed that Eminem offered Carey the role of his mother in the 2002 film, an offer that reportedly bruised her pride and ignited their conflict. The supposed offer came despite Carey being only four years younger than Eminem.

However, Carey, appearing on 'Watch What Happens Live' with Andy Cohen on Thursday (local time), offered her perspective. "I heard that story, and I was like, 'I sort of remember that.' But I don't remember it being that, and I'm not sure I believe that," she stated, adding, "It doesn't matter, we're not making this about that. It's not that important. It was what it was."

When Cohen pressed if the offer was the start of their beef, Carey responded with a relaxed smile, "Maybe, but it doesn't matter to me. It's just rap lyrics."

The role was ultimately played by Kim Basinger, who is 15 years older than Carey. '8 Mile,' loosely based on Eminem's life, won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for 'Lose Yourself' in 2003.

Young had previously recounted on the podcast 'TUF' how Eminem requested a call with Carey, during which he proposed the mother role. Young claimed the offer "stung her pride."

The tension between the two artists dates back to the early 2000s, with conflicting accounts of a brief relationship. Eminem claimed they dated for six months, a statement Carey denied. This led to Eminem referencing Carey in songs like 'Superman' and 'When the Music Stops,' followed by Carey's response track 'Clown.' Their lyrical battle continued over the years with songs like Eminem's 'Bagpipes from Baghdad' and Carey's 'Obsessed,' and Eminem's 'The Warning,' maintaining a public rivalry for nearly two decades.

On the show, Carey reiterated her stance, saying, "I don't care what he says. I'm just me."

Fans are reacting positively to Carey's nonchalant response, with comments like "Mariah's so chill about it all," and "It's wild they've been beefing for 20 years!" Many appreciate her cool demeanor in addressing the long-standing rumors.