Victoria Monét reveals why she never performed at the 2023 MTV Music Video Awards

Last month, Victoria Monét released the follow-up to her 2020 EP Jaguar, with the long-awaited debut album, Jaguar II. The album featured collaborations from the likes of Lucky Daye, Buju Banton, her daughter Hazel Monét, and Earth, Wind & Fire; as well as a song produced by Kaytranada.

Following the MTV VMAs, which took place on Tuesday (12 September), Monét's fans were rallying online about the lack of a performance from Monét, considering she'd just released her album. The night featured performances from Olivia Rodrigo, Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, Måneskin, and more.

I see your advocation for me to have performed tonight and I’m so grateful to you!! Sincerely! My team was told it is “too early in my story” for that opportunity so we will keep working! I’m grateful for YOU, for my tour starting this Friday and for the ability to see some of my…

— Victoria Monét (@VictoriaMonet) September 13, 2023

"I see your advocation for me to have performed tonight and I’m so grateful to you!! Sincerely! My team was told it is “too early in my story” for that opportunity so we will keep working!," she said, addressing her fans. "I’m grateful for YOU, for my tour starting this Friday and for the ability to see some of my favorite people perform tonight and receive the love they so deserve

Some fans on social media have perceived Monét's slight as another snub, and disregard for R&B at the 2023 VMAs. The only R&B category (Best R&B) was shown during the live screening of the ceremony, and there were no solo R&B performances. The category had only recently returned in 2019 after a 12-year hiatus from the show.

Despite organisers thinking it's too early in her career, Monét is a three-time Grammy Award nominee who received nominations for her work on Ariana Grande‘s Thank U, Next album and the Chloe x Halle song “Do It".