Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav is a man of his word, and the rapper proved that on Wednesday night (September 11) by gifting American gymnast Jordan Chiles a very special custom neckpiece. The veteran presenter took to the stage to present the first award of the 2024 MTV VMAs alongside the American athlete, who was stripped of her bronze medal at this summer’s Paris Olympics following a controversy over her women’s individual floor exercise score.
But Flav, who has become one of the most ardent sports supporters in the country this year, is making things right. Taking to the stage in a pink tracksuit with a matching custom oversized clock pendant, Flav said it was “an honor to stand next to Jordan Chiles,” as the gymnast smiled at the rap icon’s love.
Chiles, wearing a silver halterneck dress and long black gloves, looked surprised when Flav said he wanted to turn their best collaboration award presentation into a “little Olympic moment.” Flav reached into his pocket and pulled out the bejeweled bronze bell pendant he had custom-made for Chiles and said, “Jordan, I know they tried to take your medals away. But you know what? I gave you some of them. Something that cannot be taken away from you.
Flav then placed a giant timer around Chiles’ neck, and the crowd cheered at the special moment. “I don’t even know what to say,” Chiles said, smiling. The “Don’t Believe the Hype” rapper pulled out one of his water polo hats from the Olympics as she thanked Flav – who is known for providing financial support and free tours to the U.S. women’s team – At the same time, he changed his glasses to a pair of gold glasses. “That’s why I want to make this an Olympic moment, okay?” he said, before revealing that he would also give Jordan the prize money she missed out on.
“I got you a bonus!” said Flav. “Flav, it’s such an honor!” Chiles said, before the two teamed up to present the award for Best Collaboration to Taylor Swift and Post Malone for “Fortnight.”