Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for Best Female Video to declare that Beyoncé should have won the award.

Madonna's performance of "Like a Prayer" at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards caused controversy due to its religious imagery, including a burning cross and a stigmata on her forehead.

Britney Spears' performance of "I'm a Slave 4 U" at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards was criticized for its use of nudity and sexual imagery, including a scene where she danced with a live python.

Miley Cyrus' performance of "We Can't Stop" at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards was interrupted by a streaker who ran across the stage.

Nicki Minaj's performance of "Anaconda" at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards was criticized for its use of violence and gore, including a scene where she decapitated a male dancer.

Beyoncé's performance of "Formation" at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards was criticized for its political message, which included references to the Black Lives Matter movement and police brutality.

Miley Cyrus' performance of "Slide Away" at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards was criticized for its use of nudity and sexual imagery, including a scene where she licked a sledgehammer.

Madonna's performance of "Like a Prayer" at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards was criticized for its use of religious imagery, including a scene where she wore a crown of thorns and a cross.

Lil Nas X's performance of "Panini" at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards was criticized for its use of violence and gore, including a scene where he decapitated his own head.

Lady Gaga's performance of "Rain on Me" at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards was criticized for its political message, which included references to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Doja Cat's performance of "Kiss Me More" at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards was criticized for its use of nudity and sexual imagery, including a scene where she kissed a male dancer.

Bad Bunny's performance of "Tití Me Preguntó" at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards was criticized for its use of violence and gore, including a scene where he decapitated a giant inflatable head.

Beyoncé's performance of "Break My Soul" at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards was criticized for its political message, which included references to the Black Lives Matter movement and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Doja Cat's performance of "Vegas" at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards was criticized for its use of nudity and sexual imagery, including a scene where she danced with a giant inflatable penis.

Bad Bunny's performance of "Me Porto Bonito" at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards was criticized for its use of violence and gore, including a scene where he shot a giant inflatable head with a gun.