Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media, Inc.
The celebrities provided an explanation for the events that transpired after fans speculated about a backstage dispute in a viral video.
Megan Thee Stallion and Justin Timberlake want everyone to know that they share nothing but positive sentiments for each other, dispelling any rumors of discord.
Following speculation among fans that a viral video captured a backstage argument between the 28-year-old rapper and the 42-year-old pop icon at the 2023 MTV VMAs on Tuesday, both superstars clarified that their feelings towards each other are entirely amicable.
On the day after the awards show, the “Bongos” artist shared a TikTok, later posted on Instagram, showcasing her and the “Mirrors” singer enjoying each other’s company at Tao Downtown in New York City, within the nightclub’s private sky boxes. The video depicted the two of them sharing laughter and having a great time while seated side by side.
“I just communicate using my hands 🤷🏽♀️lol @justintimberlake love ya 💙,” the hip-hop artist humorously captioned the post, alluding to her hand gestures in the viral video directed towards the former *NSYNC member.
Timberlake himself addressed the incident with a comment on the post, saying, “Real hot girl s—. Never change @theestallion ❤️.” The rapper accompanied the post with a soundtrack from the J-pop band Do As Infinity’s “Fuka Mori,” which is one of the themes from the anime Inuyasha.
Shortly after the incident on Tuesday night, an insider revealed to PEOPLE the actual conversation that took place between the two Grammy-winning artists as Timberlake passed by the “Body” rapper in the company of his *NSYNC bandmates.
The source disclosed, “He said, ‘It’s so nice to meet you,’ and she responded, ‘No, no, this don’t count, this don’t count. We gotta meet properly.'”
A second source closely connected to the situation echoed a similar sentiment, stating to PEOPLE, “Meg loves Justin. She was saying, ‘No, no, no, we’ve never met before!’ It was their first encounter, and she was genuinely excited.”
Both artists had a memorable evening at the VMAs, which took place at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.
The “Sweetest Pie” rapper made a grand debut of her latest single, a collaboration with Cardi B titled “Bongos,” performing it live for the first time on the MTV stage. Megan also received three nominations for her hit song “Her” in the categories of best art direction, best direction, and best choreography.
Timberlake delivered an electrifying performance, reuniting with his former *NSYNC bandmates to present the award for best pop video. The iconic pop group, consisting of Chris Kirkpatrick, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, and Lance Bass, joined him on stage. Their appearance left Taylor Swift elated, as she could hardly contain her excitement when they ultimately presented her with the Moon Person award.