Ivanna Ortiz, Accused of Shooting at Rihanna's Home, Sent Disturbing Emails Before Arrest

Ivanna Ortiz, the woman accused of shooting at Rihanna's home, has been obsessed with the singer for years. Following last week's incident, old videos of Ortiz criticising Rihanna surfaced online. And now it has emerged that the animosity appears deeply personal, despite the two never having met.

In one of those videos, Ortiz criticised the way Rihanna sings. Another shows her mocking the singer's forehead and nose. The criticisms escalated to Ortiz claiming that God would soon judge the 'Diamonds' singer.

'Renounce Rihanna'

Recent reports have revealed that Ortiz emailed her ex-husband, Jed Nikko Valdez Sangalang, weeks before the shooting. In the email, sent on 26 January, Ortiz urged Sangalang to renounce Rihanna and declare that she was better than the singer, a declaration she said she needed in order to move on from her ex. It is a strange and troubling request that speaks to just how consumed she had apparently become by her feelings toward the pop star, even going as far as making it a condition of her own healing.

Ortiz is accused of shooting at Rihanna's gate earlier this month. Reports confirmed that the singer and her children were home at the time. No one was harmed, though Rihanna has since relocated from the property.

Ivanna Ortiz's Troubled Past

Sangalang's attorney, Hal Roen, told reporters that Ortiz has a troubled history. In 2023, she was reportedly placed in a psychiatric facility involuntarily under Florida's Baker Act, a law that allows for emergency mental health detention, where she stayed for 72 hours. Roen described her as someone known for erratic behaviour, but noted that she could come across as articulate and convincing on first impression.

Two years ago, a judge ruled in favour of Sangalang in a custody dispute over their children. Ortiz is no longer permitted to contact them directly or through third parties, including social media. She was also arrested for domestic violence after accusing her ex-husband of abuse, but it was Ortiz herself who was placed on probation. The case painted a picture of someone whose behaviour had long alarmed those around her, well before the alleged incident at Rihanna's property. During sworn testimony, she acknowledged the Baker Act placement, though she attributed it to false claims made against her.

What Happens Next?

Following the shooting, Ortiz was charged with attempted murder. Her bail has been set at $1.875 million (approximately £1.4 million), and she faces a possible life sentence. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J Hochman addressed the case directly. 'Opening fire in any populated neighbourhood is extremely dangerous, puts lives at risk, and will be fully prosecuted,' he said. 'Such shooters will find their next destination to be our jails and prisons.'

Does A$AP Rocky Know Ivanna Ortiz?

Rihanna has not publicly responded to the incident, and her longtime partner, A$AP Rocky, has not commented either. His name has nonetheless been drawn into the controversy, with unverified reports claiming that Ortiz and Rocky knew each other personally and that Ortiz had wanted a relationship with him. None of those allegations has been substantiated.