Flavor Flav gave gymnast Jordan Chiles an unforgettable surprise at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, turning a challenging moment into a celebration of her spirit.
During the ceremony, Flav, who was onstage with Chiles to present the Best Collaboration award—won by Taylor Swift and Post Malone for “Fortnight”—made a heartfelt gesture. Addressing the recent controversy surrounding Chiles’ Olympic bronze medal, Flav declared, “I just want to turn this into a little Olympic moment for a second, if you don’t mind.”
In a moving tribute, Flav presented Chiles with a dazzling bronze clock, styled in his signature blinged-out fashion. The crowd erupted in applause as the rapper draped the clock around Chiles’ neck. Overwhelmed by the gesture, an emotional Chiles responded, “Wow, I don’t even know what to say here!”
Chiles’ mother, Gina, took to social media to express her gratitude and joy. “My baby @ChilesJordan is living it up at the @vmas! You did so good presenting with @FlavorFlav and the bronze clock. Now you are dancing with @taylorswift13 and looking gorgeous!! That smile says it all! So soooo so happy for you.”
Chiles’ bronze medal was initially awarded during the Paris Olympics but was controversially revoked after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the U.S. team’s appeal was submitted four seconds past the deadline. The medal was subsequently awarded to Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu.
In response to the decision, Chiles expressed her dismay on social media, stating, “I have no words. This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey. The unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country.”
Flavor Flav had previously shown support for the Olympian and had hinted on X (formerly Twitter) about crafting a “bronze clock necklace” for her, making this gesture a poignant symbol of solidarity and recognition.
