Rapper Megan Thee Stallion and actor-singer Justin Timberlake were seen in what appeared to be a verbal altercation backstage at the MTV Video Music Awards. The now viral video clip depicts the two in what appears to be a heated exchange.
Timberlake, who made a name for himself as a pop solo artist, was first a member of popular boy band NSYNC. The band reunited for the first time in years earlier in tonight’s awards show.
Wtf did he say to her??? #VMAs pic.twitter.com/xYsQNnPrza
— jaⓂ️es (@BartierJames) September 13, 2023
X users are already attempting to analyze the situation. Some suspect that Timberlake touched her and said something that allegedly upset Megan. The sound of their conversation cannot be heard in the audio of the video clip.
if you look near the bottom of the screen, you can see Justin touches her and that's when she reacts
— Jin Jerrelle (@RobLives4Love) September 13, 2023
Fans of Megan were quick to defend her in the scenario, given Timberlake’s history of poking fun at Janet Jackson‘s Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction in 2004, which occurred during a duet performance. The incident, combined with his alleged cheating scandal with ex girlfriend Britney Spears, has cemented a negative reputation surrounding the singer’s treatment of women.
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What was said?! Cause ik y’all not messing with Meg on tonight’s event! pic.twitter.com/Mzy91ShTl3
— ????????????????.❁ | ???????????????????? ???????? (@redforjanet) September 13, 2023
Despite rumors of a fight, a source told Variety that there was in fact no fight at all. The source recalled the moment as a “cute” interaction instead of how it is being perceived. The source alleged that the rapper is actually a fan of Timberlake’s, and was not angry at him.
“He said, ‘It’s so nice to meet you,’ and she said ‘No, no this don’t count, this don’t count. We gotta meet proper,'” claimed the source.
Megan Thee Stallion performed tonight alongside fellow rapper Cardi B. The performance is receiving widespread praise for both iconic female rappers.
Social Media Reactions
Several TikTok creators are pointing out that the allegations of a fight are already taking away from the positive news of the NSYNC reunion at the show earlier this evening. Fans of the former boy band were initially delighted to see them reunite.
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@simplysimone WHO WE GOTTA FIGHT? #vmas #megtheestallion #justintimberlake
Neither of the two acclaimed musicians have spoken on the fight rumors at this time. Timberlake is yet to return to the stage since the fight. Megan was nominated for Best Direction, Best Art Direction, and Best Choreography at tonight’s MTV Video Music Awards.
