Fox News reported today that Kane West was ejected from VMA 2009 by an MTV official after bursting onto the stage in the middle of Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for Best Female Music Video. As the world now knows, Kane West grabbed the microphone from a startled Taylor Swift's hand
Kane West's Taylor Swift Insult Results in VMA 2009 Ejection, Apology Go-Round and began a tirade about Beyonce, whom he implied deserved the award instead of Swift.
Kane West created further controversy by apologizing to Taylor Swift via blog, then removing the apology and later posting another apology for his conduct toward Swift at VMA 2009. In both apologizes, West acknowledged he had no right to take away Taylor Swift's "moment." Because of boos from the crowd that erupted when West interrupted Swift and strict adherence to time limits, Swift was unable to complete her acceptance speech.
It should come as no surprise that a rapper would exercise bad judgment or bad manners in public; the rap tradition unfortunately includes a long line of murderous thugs including Corey "C-Murder" Miller who was sentenced to life in prison in August for killing a teenager in 2002. Tupac Shakur and Notorious BIG associated with thugs and were ultimately murdered with their murders widely believed to have been the result of their criminal associations.
This incident involving a rapper upsetting an entertainment awards presentation follows a disturbing societal trend. Just last week, Rep. Joe Wilson from South Carolina breached traditional political etiquette when he shouted down the President of the United States during an address to Congress, calling the President a liar.
Like Kayne West, Rep. Joe Wilson was the immediate subject of negative judgment from fellow members of Congress. However, the other Congressmen had the decency to wait until after the President finished speaking to let Joe know how they felt about his rude behavior. By booing Kayne West, performers who meant to support Taylor Swift actually contributed to the commotion that deprived her of the limelight and the opportunity to give thanks to those who's aid led to her receiving the award for Best Female Music Video.
