Selena Gomez aims to put an end to becoming a meme target.
After her reactions from the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards audience started spreading on social media, the 31-year-old shared a message on her Instagram.
“I will never be a meme again,” she wrote on her Story after the September 12 event, with a black background. “I’d rather sit still than be dragged for being myself. Much love.”
During the ceremony in New Jersey, as they mentioned the R&B nominees, the singer of “Single Soon” had a cringeworthy reaction when Chris Brown’s name was announced. She briefly pouted her lips and scrunched her nose as they listed the nominees. (Chris Brown faced major controversy after assaulting his ex-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009 and has been accused of misconduct multiple times since then. MTV acknowledged him this year for his part in Chlöe Bailey’s song “How Does It Feel,” but he lost to SZA’s “Shirt.”)
Some viewed her reaction as a slight against Brown, while others applauded Gomez for being true to herself.
Her disapproving expression wasn’t the only moment that got attention online. The cameras also captured the “Selena and Chef” star appearing uninterested during the show. At one point, she even covered her ear during Olivia Rodrigo’s chaotic performance, which was inspired by the “Vampire” music video.
Although Selena has previously appeared to take her meme status lightly, even when she went viral for her reactions to watching Lionel Messi play soccer or when she shared a picture of herself wrapped in a blanket, she seems to be taking a stand this time.
The award show marked a successful evening for Selena. She won a “moon man” for Best Afrobeats, a category she shared with Rema for their collaboration on “Calm Down,” a track that garnered four nominations in total.
Selena’s best friend, Taylor Swift, was seen on camera jumping up and down with her hands in the air when Selena Gomez won.
Earlier in the evening, the two shared a heartwarming moment when they hugged on camera while hanging out in the audience. This interaction also showcased their stylish outfits—Selena looked stunning in a red beaded gown by Oscar de la Renta, with a floral-inspired design, while Taylor rocked an edgy black Versace halter dress.