In 1984, the TV channel MTV started distributing The video vanguard award to people who excel in the music industry. David Bowie, Madonna, Beyoncé and Kanye West are among those who have received the award over the years.

In 1991, MTV chose to rename it the Michael Jackson video vanguard award to honor the artist who had a huge impact on the music world and who himself was awarded the award in 1988.

MTV has never made a statement

But this spring, the controversial documentary Leaving Neverland premiered. In it, two men talk in detail about how Jackson should have exposed them to sexual abuse when they were young boys.

When MTV announced a few weeks ago that this year's award winner will be Missy Elliott, Wade Robson - one of the men who accuses Jackson of abusing the documentary, directed criticism that the award bears the artist's name.

“For me personally, it does get rid of what MTV does, but victims of child abuse all over the world are looking to find out if society intends to support them or not if they are brave enough to come forward. In that respect, it is an unfortunate decision, ”Robson told the online newspaper The Wrap.

However, no official statement from MTV about the name of the award has never come.

Swift and Grande have the most nominations

This year's gala, the 36th in the order, will be led by American standup comedian and actor Sebastian Maniscalo.

When it comes to most nominations, Taylor leads Swift and Ariana Grande, with their twelve nominations each. Next comes Billy Eilish with his nine nominations and Lil Nas X with eight.