Flavor Flav surprised Olympian Jordan Chiles with a touching gesture at the 2024 MTV Music Video Awards.
While on stage with Chiles to present the award for best collaboration, which went to Taylor Swift and Post Malone for “Fortnight,” the rapper addressed the controversial decision that resulted in the gymnast's bronze medal being revoked. “I just want to turn this into a little Olympic moment for a second, if you don't mind,” Flav announced.
Turning to Chiles, he added, “I know they tried to take your medal away. But you know what? I brought you something they can't take away.” The crowd cheered as Flav presented Chiles with his shiny bronze watch, styled similarly to his signature accessory. After the rapper finished tying it around the athlete's neck, an emotional Chiles commented, “Wow, I don't even know what to say!”
Chiles' mom, Gina, tweeted in support of Flav's gift. She wrote, “My little @ChilesJordan is having the best time at the @vmas! You did so well presenting with @FlavorFlav and the bronze watch. Now you're dancing with @taylorswift13 and you look gorgeous!! That smile says it all! I'm so happy for you.”
The athlete had originally been awarded a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics after her coach, Cecile Landi, appealed during the floor exercise final on August 5. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ultimately ruled that the U.S. team had appealed four seconds after the one-minute deadline. This meant that the bronze medal should have been returned and given to Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu.
Following the CAS decision, Chiles took to social media to share her reaction. “I am speechless,” she wrote in a statement. “This decision feels unfair and is a huge blow, not only to me, but to everyone who has supported my journey. To add to the pain, the unsolicited racist attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful. I have poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and country.”
Flavor Flav, who has been an outspoken supporter of the athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics, had already made previews on X (ex Twitter) who would make a “bronze watch necklace” for the athlete.