Frankie Grande ignited an online debate after viewers accused him of “throwing shade” at Tate McRae during her performance at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. A backstage camera captured the 42-year-old Broadway performer, who was seated in the front row with his sister Ariana Grande and their family, appearing to scowl and shake his head as McRae performed a medley of her hits, “Revolving Door” and “Sports Car.”
Clips of the moment quickly went viral, with some fans calling him “dramatic” and accusing him of giving off “hater energy.” Others joked that he looked upset because McRae might be a threat to Ariana’s pop career.
However, not everyone agreed with the criticism. Some users defended Frankie, suggesting the flashing lights might have created an unflattering reaction. Others compared his expression to Rihanna’s famously misinterpreted reactions at award shows.
Shortly after, Frankie seemed to clear up the confusion on the VMAs Celeb POV livestream. “I love Tate McRae. I’m obsessed with her. She’s beautiful and her makeup artist killed it today,” he gushed. He later shook McRae’s hand enthusiastically when Ariana introduced them backstage.
Despite his clarification, some fans accused him of doing “damage control” after the online buzz. Nevertheless, the incident added extra excitement to a night already dominated by Ariana, who won Video of the Year and Best Pop Video for her song “Brighter Days Ahead.”
