Charli XCX’s ‘rude reaction' to Taylor Swift’s VMAs speech goes viral -here’s the truth behind it

During a now-viral clip of Taylor Swift’s MTV VMA acceptance speech, the camera seemingly flicked to fellow pop star Charli XCX—and fans seemingly have a lot to say on the matter.

On Sunday (27 September), the ‘Bad Blood’ hitmaker returned to the public eye following her brief hiatus after she and her husband, Travis Kelce, tied the knot at Madison Square Garden this summer.

Swift, 36, was awarded gongs at the MTV Video Music Awards for: video of the year for the summer hit ‘The Fate of Ophelia’, best direction for ‘Opalite’, and the inaugural Artist Director Honours Prize.

At one point in the proceedings, the American icon appeared on stage holding a Moon Person; she thanked fans for making it ‘so fun’ to write and direct music videos.

“You make it so rewarding,” she claimed.

A now-viral clip from the Peacock Theatre seemingly showed fellow nominee Charli XCX watching Swift on stage while performing a knee clap.

“Charlie xcx’s face while Taylor Swift was presenting at the VMAS,” the original poster—whose video has amassed 2.6 million views—wrote.

At first glance, it appeared the 34-year-old British singer-songwriter was actually reacting in real time to Swift’s win—but it turns out that’s not quite the case.

Charli XCX 'reaction' clip is a fake

Social media users and fans of Charli XCX alike have been quick to call out the video as doctored.

One remarked: “The way y'all edited this. Charli's take wasn't during Taylor's speech. You can even see the MTV logo moving.”

“I don’t like charli Xbox but this clip is edited, don’t spread fake news!,” a second commented.

A third added that the so-called 'rude reaction' was broadcast as Nirvana’s living members Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear accepted the Video Vanguard Award.

“She was reacting to Nirvana, not Taylor. Let’s not set her up,” they alleged.

Others have seen the humorous side, seemingly buying into the heavily rumoured ‘feud’ between Swift and Charli XCX.

“LMFAO I know it’s fake but kinda funny,” they commented.

Swift and Charli song history - 'Actually Romantic'

It was claimed late last year that Swift had shared a ‘dig’ at her industry peer on her controversial The Life of A Showgirl track, ‘Actually Romantic’

Fans were quick to pick up on the fact that the title was similar to Charli’s song, ‘Everything is Romantic’, and that some of the lyrics may relate to her.

The lyrics are as follows: "I heard you call me 'Boring Barbie' when the coke’s got you brave.

“High-fived my ex and then said you’re glad he ghosted me / Wrote me a song saying it makes you sick to see my face / You just give me so much attention / It’s so romantic.

"No man has ever loved me like you do."

Another line reads: "How many times has your boyfriend said / 'Why are we always talkin' 'bout her?'"

Swift never confirmed that Charli was the subject of ‘Actually Romantic’, but also did not stop people from speculating about it.

Swift and Charli song history - 'Sympathy is a Knife'

It’s believed that the ‘Blank Space’ star’s apparent reference came after Charli allegedly discussed her relationship with her on the 2024 track ‘Sympathy is a Knife’.

Lyrics include: "This one girl taps my insecurities / Don’t know if it's real or if I'm spiralling/ Cause I couldn’t even be her if I tried / I'm opposite, I'm on the other side.

“Don’t wanna see her backstage at my boyfriend’s show / Fingers crossed behind my back / I hope they break up quick.

"George says I’m just paranoid."

Charli has long denied that her album Brat - and specifically that song - contains intentional disses directed at Taylor.

"People are gonna think what they want to think," she told Vulture.

"That song is about me and my feelings and my anxiety and the way my brain creates narratives and stories in my head when I feel insecure and how I don’t want to be in those situations physically when I feel self-doubt."