Catch the inside scoop on Selena Gomez's eye-catching reaction to Chris Brown's VMA nomination. What did that nose scrunch mean?
Selena Gomez's facial expression in response to Chris Brown being named as a nominee during the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) has become the subject of widespread discussion on social media platforms like X/Twitter.
Gomez secured the award for Best Afrobeats, courtesy of her contribution to Rema's chart-topping summer hit, "Calm Down." On the other hand, Chris Brown was in the running for Best R&B with his collaboration on Chloë's song "How Does It Feel," but ultimately fell short, losing to SZA's "Shirt."
A Glimpse Caught On Camera
Selena Gomez reacting to Chris Brown being nominated at the #VMAs. pic.twitter.com/ngx4Ep8aD5
— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 13, 2023
As the nominees for the Best R&B category were announced, the camera panned to Gomez, capturing her noticeable nose scrunch when Chris Brown's name was declared. Efforts to obtain comments from Gomez's representatives have been initiated by The Independent.
Controversy Surrounding Chloë and Brown's Collaboration
Chloë Bailey, who collaborated with Chris Brown on the VMA-nominated track, has been at the receiving end of significant flak from fans. Brown's turbulent history only fuels the controversy around this partnership.
In 2009, Brown had admitted guilt over assaulting his former girlfriend and global pop icon, Rihanna. Since then, he has faced a slew of allegations regarding assault from past romantic partners and acquaintances, allegations that he continues to refute.
Recent Acts Adding Fuel to the Fire
Brown recently stirred up additional controversy during his live shows, where he was caught on camera gripping female fans around their necks as part of a stage act. One particular instance involved Natalia Zoppa, a former contestant from Love Island, who was on stage with Brown during the Manchester segment of his tour.
The act drew widespread criticism, including from The Cassandra Centre, a domestic violence charity, which tweeted, "This is so uncomfortable to watch. Even being on stage with him doesn't alleviate her visible unease as his hand wraps around her neck."
Other Dramatic Moments at the VMAs
Besides the focus on Gomez and Brown, another noteworthy incident unfolded at the VMAs involving Megan Thee Stallion and Justin Timberlake. Cameras caught Timberlake leaning in to speak with Megan, who reacted quite energetically, shaking her finger at him and yelling something indiscernible from the footage.
Sources close to the situation reassured Variety and other media that no conflict existed between the two celebrities. "It's so nice to meet you," Timberlake had said, to which Megan responded, "No, no, this doesn't count. We have to meet properly." The exchange was described as "very cute" by the same sources.
The Independent has reached out to both Megan Thee Stallion and Justin Timberlake for additional commentary.