On Sunday, during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, Frankie Grande, brother of recording artist Ariana Grande, was alleged to have engaged in conduct interpreted as ‘throwing shade’ at performer Tate McRae. It was reported that Mr. Grande appeared to display visible disapproval, including scowling and shaking his head, while observing Ms. McRae, aged 22, deliver a medley performance of her singles Revolving Door and Sports Car.
Footage captured from a backstage point-of-view camera further depicted the 42-year-old Broadway actor observing the stage under flashing lights and music. Subsequent to the performance, social media users circulated excerpts of the footage, with commentary suggesting that Mr. Grande later expressed his opinions regarding Ms. McRae’s performance.
During the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, Mr. Frankie Grande was seated in the front row with his sister, Ariana Grande, and members of their family, prior to Ms. Grande’s acceptance of the Moon Person award for Video of the Year for her work Brighter Days Ahead.
Observers on social media circulated commentary regarding Mr. Grande’s facial expressions during Tate McRae’s performance, alleging that he appeared ‘dramatic,’ exhibited ‘hater energy,’ or seemed ‘unimpressed,’ particularly in comparison to his sister’s established reputation as a vocalist. Others posited that his reaction was comparable to widely publicized instances of non-verbal expressions by other public figures, such as Ms. Rihanna, which have previously been misinterpreted.
Subsequent to the performance, Mr. Grande appeared on the VMAs Celeb POV stream, where he expressly praised Ms. McRae, stating: ‘I love Tate McRae. I’m obsessed with her. She’s beautiful and her makeup artist killed it today.’ Video footage also depicts Mr. Grande engaging positively with Ms. McRae, including shaking her hand with enthusiasm.
Notwithstanding these clarifications, certain social media users alleged that Mr. Grande’s subsequent statements and conduct constituted ‘damage control’ in response to online criticism. Comments ranged from suggestions that his reaction implied animosity toward Ms. McRae’s performance to speculation that external factors, such as flashing lights, may have caused the perceived expression of disapproval.
Conversely, other commentators defended Mr. Grande, asserting that his reaction was either misinterpreted or reflective of admiration for Ms. McRae’s talent. Additional observers noted his courteous behavior upon meeting Ms. McRae, emphasizing that his conduct was ultimately supportive and respectful.
Mr. Frankie Grande attended the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards for the purpose of supporting his younger sister, Ariana Grande. At the event, Ms. Grande received two of the evening’s most significant honors — Best Pop and Video of the Year — both awarded in recognition of her song Brighter Days Ahead and its accompanying music video.
Prior to her receipt of the aforementioned awards, Ms. Grande was observed in an interaction with fellow recording artist Sabrina Carpenter. Leaked footage of their exchange, which included an embrace, subsequently circulated online and gave rise to public commentary alleging that the interaction appeared ‘inauthentic’ or ‘contrived.’#newsafro_
