Did Charli XCX react with a straight face to Taylor Swift's VMAs 2026 presentation? Here's the truth behind the viral video

Charli XCX and Taylor Swift. Pics via X

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), which took place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, have become the talk of the town. Held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the night hosted by Snoop Dogg saw some of the biggest stars assemble to celebrate music and art. While many moments from the event became the talk of the town, a video has now surfaced online of Charli XCX reacting to Taylor Swift as the latter presents one of the awards.

Charli XCX's viral reaction to Taylor Swift

In the video now going viral online, Taylor Swift is seen taking the stage to accept the inaugural Artist Director Honours award onstage and holds a Moon Person trophy, while she credits fans for writing and directing music videos. "The reason why I love writing and directing music videos so much is that you, the fans, make it so much fun," as the crowd cheers.

The clip then shows Charli XCX sitting in the audience, with a straight face, seemingly annoyed by what Taylor was saying. The clip was shared on X by users claiming that it was from the recently concluded VMAs. Sharing the video, one user wrote, "charlie xcx's face while taylor swift was presenting at the vmas…." along with crying emojis.

Truth behind viral video

While the clip was shared claiming to be from the VMAs, the video is misleading. It actually happens to be an edited one falsely showing Charli XCX reacting to Taylor. In fact, many viewers who watched the event claim that Charli's reaction happens to be filmed during a different part of the ceremony.

Charli's expression was actually filmed during Nirvana's Video Vanguard Award speech, and not Taylor Swift's.

Notably, there has been speculation about an alleged rift between Charli and Swift circulating among fans for years. Some fans even believe that Charli's songs, including Sympathy is a Knife and Actually Romantic, are linked to Swift. Meanwhile, many also suspect a feud based on past comments and fan behaviour.

Nevertheless, both Taylor and Charli have refuted the idea of an ongoing feud at different points. Charli has also publicly slammed anti-Swift chants from some of her fans.