2024 MTV VMAs: Tyla and Halle Bailey Address Viral Onstage Moment

Rachel McRady

September 12, 2024 at 10:58 PM·2 min read

Originally appeared on E! Online

Tyla and Halle Bailey are letting any negative commentary roll off them like water.

The two performers shared a much-discussed moment at the MTV Video Music Awards—hosted by Megan Thee Stallion—on Sept. 11 when the Little Mermaid star and Lil Nas X presented Tyla the award for Best Afrobeat for her hit song “Water.”

As the 22-year-old took to the stage to accept her Moon Person Award, she struggled to hold up the statue while giving her speech.

“Oh my gosh,” Tyla, whose full name is Tyla Laura Seethal, told the crowd. “You guys know me and holding awards. I am not strong enough.”

She then looked to Halle and Lil Nas X, for assistance before handing the trophy off to the “Old Town Road” singer.

However, some viewers read into the moment, wondering whether Tyla handing the award to Lil Nas X over Halle was a diss while others thought The Color Purple actress was insulting the “Water” singer by not stepping in to help.

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However, both women were not having it with the commentary and swiftly set the record straight on the rumors.

“Y'all make everything weird… I was not asking my girl Halle… We just girls,” Tyla wrote on X, formerly Twitter, Sept. 11, adding in a nail painting emoji. “STFU I WON A VMAAAA.”

Tyla and Halle Bailey and Lil Nas X — Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV

Halle reposted the message writing, “Exactly,” with a heart emoji, adding, “love you babes congrats.”

Tyla wasn’t the only big winner during the 2024 VMAs. Taylor Swift's big night saw her surpassing Beyonce's record as the most winningest solo artist in the history of the show. And chart-topping stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Eminem, SZA, and Benson Boone also took home major awards. Chappell Roan beat out Tyla for the coveted Best New Artist Award, and Katy Perry lit up the stage with her Video Vanguard performance.