At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, South African artist Tyla made headlines not only for her historic win but also for a viral onstage interaction with Halle Bailey. Tyla, who won Best Afrobeats for her hit “Water,” playfully asked for help holding the iconic Moonman trophy during her acceptance speech. Claiming she wasn’t “strong enough” to hold it, Tyla turned to presenters Lil Nas X and Halle Bailey for assistance. While Lil Nas X stepped in to help, Halle stood still with a smile, which sparked social media reactions.
Tyla’s request for Halle Bailey to hold her MTV VMA trophy during her acceptance speech raised some eyebrows, not just for its playful nature, but for how it rubbed people the wrong way. When Tyla asked Halle, who is similar in stature to her, to hold the heavy award, it came across as less of a joke and more as a display of poor judgment. Many viewers felt it was rude to ask another woman, especially one of equal physical capability, to act as if she were a personal assistant or maid, especially in such a public setting.
While some may argue that Tyla’s comment was lighthearted, the optics of the moment left room for critique. Halle, who simply smiled and stayed in place, appeared unamused by the request, leading fans to interpret her reaction as subtle refusal. Social media blew up with comments like “Halle wasn’t about to hold her award—no ma’am,” with many feeling that the ask was inappropriate.
n the eyes of many, the request sent a message that undervalued Halle’s presence as a peer, potentially reducing her to a supporting role in Tyla’s big moment. The reality is that both artists are accomplished women in their own right, and the moment could have been perceived as more empowering if Tyla had handled her award independently or asked the male co-presenter, Lil Nas X, for help—something that she eventually did.
Fans speculated whether Halle was snubbing Tyla by refusing to hold the award, but both stars quickly shut down the rumors. Tyla took to Twitter to clarify that there was no drama, stating, “Y’all make everything weird… I was not asking my girl Halle… We just girls.” Halle echoed the sentiment by congratulating Tyla with heart emojis, putting any misunderstanding to rest.
