Mariah Carey responds whether Eminem asked her to play his mom in 8 Mile

Mariah Carey is addressing recent claims about the origins of her feud with Eminem.

Carey played “Plead the Fifth” on the Wednesday, October 1, episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, and among the juicy questions put to the superstar was one about whether Eminem asked her to play his mom in his autobiographical drama movie 8 Mile. Music producer Damion “Damizza” Young first made the claims in a June podcast appearance.

“From what I heard, there is truth to that, but I don’t think that he actually… Well, who knows who approached who,” Carey told host Andy Cohen. Cohen then asked, “Did that ignite the beef?” “No. Maybe. It depends what he’s thinking. I really don’t care. Whatever he’s said then I’m that, fine. Not really, but that’s a rap lyric,” she said.

Back in June, Damizza, a music producer who began working with Carey in 1988, said he introduced the singer to Eminem. Damizza said on the “TFU” podcast that Slim Shady apparently wanted Carey, who is four years older than him, to play his character’s mother in 8 Mile. “She did not like that s*** at all. Her insecurities kicked in big time,” Damizza claimed.

Damizza said he warned Eminem against offering Carey the role. “Don’t do this. I know where you’re going with this,” he recalled telling the rapper. “I’m managing this girl, and it’s gonna cause me a problem. … If I don’t say something and then it comes another route in the business or something, then I’m the bad guy.” The part eventually went to Kim Basinger, who is 19 years Eminem’s senior.