Most controversial moments in VMAs history - storming stage to impromptu kiss
The MTV Video Music Awards has been celebrating music artists and their work for decades now, with a host of acts having been awarded for their talent over the years.
The annual awards ceremony - which is typically referred to as the VMAs - is dedicated to the "biggest music videos" of each year. The show, broadcast on MTV, typically features performances by nominees, as well as special appearances.
There have been some 'controversial' moments over the course of the VMAs history since it launched in 1984. This has included criticism over performances on the show and guests receiving a backlash for their behaviour at the event. Ahead of this year's VMAs - which will air on MTV in the UK on Wednesday evening, following the live broadcast in the US on the previous night - we've taken a look back at just some examples of 'controversy' from the awards show.
They include a guest having interrupted an acceptance speech which prompted an apparent apology, a "raunchy" performance that was condemned by some parents and an unconventional outfit that some felt was offensive.
Kanye West
Taylor Swift (centre) was interrupted by Kanye West (left) during her acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2009 (Getty Images)Kanye West notoriously interrupted Taylor Swift during her acceptance speech for Best Female Video in 2009. She received the accolade for the You Belong With Me music video, winning the likes of Beyoncé and Kelly Clarkson.
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Whilst she was in the process of accepting the award, Kanye unexpectedly headed onto the stage and proclaimed that nominee Beyoncé's Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) music video was actually "one of the best videos of all time".
Taylor was later offered the chance to "have her moment" by Beyoncé, when the latter won Video of the Year. Kanye described his own behaviour as "rude" in an interview later that week and was said to have apologised to Taylor.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga wore her so-called 'meat dress' to the awards ceremony in 2010 (PA)
She later asserted that she hadn't meant any 'disrespect' to anyone that's vegan or vegetarian (AFP/Getty Images)Lady Gaga made headlines in 2010 when she wore a dress that was apparently made of raw meat. She showcased the unconventional outfit when she appeared on stage as the recipient of that year's Video of the Year for Bad Romance. The so-called 'meat dress' prompted criticism at the time, including from animal rights campaigners. Lady Gaga later addressed the fashion choice when she appeared as a guest on the Ellen DeGeneres Show amid the controversy.
The singer insisted: "It's certainly no disrespect to anyone that's vegan or vegetarian." Lady Gaga went on to state that it has "many interpretations," including: "If we don't fight for our rights pretty soon we're gonna have as much rights as the meat on our bones. And I am not a piece of meat."
Miley & Robin
Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus performed together on stage at the VMAs in 2013 (FilmMagic)
They appeared on stage for a medley that included We Can't Stop and Blurred Lines (FilmMagic, Inc)Miley Cyrus performed alongside Robin Thicke in a medley performance at the awards ceremony in 2013. It included Miley's song We Can't Stop and Robin's song Blurred Lines, with the routine having prompted a backlash at the time.
She was seen 'twerking' in front of Robin at one point during the medley, which was described as "unacceptable," "raunchy" and "inappropriate". Among the various critics were a parents group, who condemned the performance. Robin later suggested he would "definitely not" perform with Miley again following the controversy. She however described the performance as "a strategic hot mess," teasing that singers "want to make history" at the VMAs.
Moby v Eminem
Eminem was met with some criticism over his behaviour at the awards show in 2002 (Getty Images)Eminem seemingly threatened Moby at the VMAs in 2002, which prompted a backlash. The incident came following apparent tension between them, which it's been suggested began when Moby questioned some of Eminem's lyrics.
The rapper seemingly mentioned Moby when he received an award for the song Without Me - which referenced the singer. "I will hit a man with glasses," Eminem said amid booing from the audience during his acceptance speech. As reported by MTV News at the time, Eminem also "thrust a middle finger into [Moby's] face just out of camera range" whilst the latter was being interviewed. His behaviour at the awards show is said to have prompted criticism.
Madonna wardrobe
Madonna has said she was told her 'career was over' following an incident at the inaugural VMAs in 1984 (Getty Images)Madonna was among the performers at the inaugural VMAs back in 1984. She took to the stage to perform her chart-topping song Like a Virgin, which is understood to have itself proved controversial following its release earlier that year.
At one point in the performance, she was seen crawling on the stage, with her undergarments briefly visible. Decades later, Madonna claimed she was told that her "career was over" following what she said had been an "accident". She said on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon just last year: "My dress flipped up and my butt was showing. Those were the days when you shouldn't show your butt to have a career. [...] My manager told me my career was over with".
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Madonna kiss
Madonna kissing Britney Spears (left), alongside Christina Aguilera (right), is said to have been 'scandalous' back in 2003 (Kevin Kane/WireImage.com)Madonna is later said to have caused a "ruckus" when she recreated the performance at the VMAs in 2003 She was joined by Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera on stage, with them performing Like a Virgin and Hollywood.
The performance - in which Madonna has said she played a 'groom,' with Britney and Christina as her two 'brides' - included a moment in which Madonna kissed Britney. She also kissed Christina, though it's understood that didn't air.
The situation is said to have been "scandalous" at the time, though Madonna once said on the Oprah Winfrey Show: "I had no idea that it was gonna cause the, well, ruckus that it caused. [...] I don't know why people are making such a big deal about it. Hasn't anyone ever seen two girls kiss before?"
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