Miley Cyrus Isn't the First: MTV VMAs' Most Controversial Moments—Take a Look!

The Moonman show has a long history of wild times

By Marc Malkin Aug 27, 2013 10:40 PMTags
Miley Cyrus, Robin ThickeJemal Countess/FilmMagic

Long before Miley Cyrus' twerks, tongue and foam finger shenanigans became international news, MTV's Video Music Awards had already earned a reputation for the place where artists let their freak flags fly.

"Listen, man, you know, it's the VMAs. What did you guys expect?," Justin Timberlake said this morning during a radio appearance on Fresh 102.7 in New York City. "I like Miley. I like her a lot. I think, you know, she's young. She's letting everyone know that she's growing up.

"I just think it's the VMAs," he said. "It's not like she did it at the Grammys. Let her do her thing. You know?"

Who could ever forget Britney Spears and Madonna sharing a steamy smooch at the Moonman show in 2003, or four years later when Lady Gaga made a, um, rare appearance in a meat dress made of raw beef?

With that, join us for a twerk down memory lane as we look back at the VMAs' most controversial moments.